What causes mental health problems?
Mental health problems can have a wide range of causes. In most cases, no one is sure precisely what the cause of a particular problem is. It is likely that for many people there is a combination of factors, although some people may be more deeply affected by certain things than others. The following factors could potentially trigger a period of poor mental health:
- Childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect
- Social isolation or loneliness
- Experiencing discrimination and stigma
- The death of someone close to you
- Severe or long-term stress
- Unemployment or losing your job
- Social disadvantage, poverty or debt
- Homelessness or poor housing
- Caring for a family member or friend
- A long-term physical health condition
- Drug and alcohol misuse
- Domestic violence or other abuse as an adult
- Significant trauma as an adult, such as military combat, being involved in a serious accident or being the victim of a violent crime
- Physical causes – for example, a head injury or a condition such as epilepsy can have an impact on behaviour and mood (it is important to rule out causes such as this before seeking further treatment for a mental health problem)
- Genetic factors – researchers are currently investigating whether there might be a genetic cause of various mental health problems, but there is no clear evidence yet
