Most mental health professionals believe that there are a variety of contributing factors to the onset of a mental illness. Studies have found that there are physical, social, environmental and psychological causes for mental illness.

Physical causes

(Biological factors) Each individual’s own genetic make-up can contribute to being at risk of developing a mental illness and traumas to the brain (via a form of head-injury) can also sometimes lead to changes in personality and in some cases ‘trigger’ symptoms of an illness. Misuse of substances (such as alcohol or drugs) and deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals in an individual’s diet can also play a part.

Social and environmental causes

(Factors around us) Where someone lives and their living conditions along with family and community support networks can play a part along with employment status and work stresses. Living in poverty or social isolation, being unemployed or highly stressed in your work can all put pressure on an individual’s mental health.

Psychological factors

(Your Psychological state) Coping with past or current traumatic experiences such as abuse, bereavement or divorce will strongly influence an individual’s mental and emotional state which can in turn have an influence on mental health.

Family History

There is evidence to suggest that heredity can play some part in the development of some forms of mental illness. However like with many physical health conditions (such as Heart Disease or Diabetes) that fact that a family member has experienced a mental illness does not mean that all other genetic family members will experience the same condition. As with physical health conditions, the other factors shown above will play a significant part too.