Mental illness is caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors and these include:
Inherited traits. Mental illness is more common in people whose blood relatives also have a mental illness. Certain genes may increase your risk of developing a mental illness, and your life situation may trigger it.
Environmental exposures before birth. Exposure to environmental stressors, inflammatory conditions, toxins, alcohol or drugs while in the womb can sometimes be linked to mental illness.
Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and body. When the neural networks involving these chemicals are impaired, the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems change, leading to depression and other emotional disorders.
However there are several risk factors that causes mental illness which include a history of mental illness in a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, stressful life situations, such as financial problems, a loved one’s death or a divorce, an ongoing (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes, brain damage as a result of a serious injury (traumatic brain injury), such as a violent blow to the head, use of alcohol or recreational drugs, a childhood history of abuse or neglect, few friends or few healthy relationships can all cause mental illness.
You can get further information on mental health at your nearest youth friendly health facility or any health facility that provides youth friendly health services, or calling Tithandizane National Helpline’s toll free number 6600 or visiting YONECO’s youth drop-in centers.
