People suffering from mental illness experience significant mood swings, which can be very harmful to others, making treatment urgent. Causes of mental illness primarily include trauma, biochemical factors, organic causes, pre-morbid personality traits, and genetic factors.
Generally speaking, the more severe the mental illness, the more likely it is to be linked to childhood experiences. However, major and rare mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder, are primarily linked to genetic factors. For milder, more common mental illnesses, genetic factors play a minimal role.
- Genetic Factors:
- Many mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder, have a genetic predisposition. People with a family history of mental illness are at a relatively higher risk of developing the disease. Genetic factors may predispose individuals to mental illness by affecting brain structure and function. Mutations or polymorphisms in certain genes can interfere with the synthesis, metabolism, and transmission of neurotransmitters, leading to abnormalities in brain circuit function and, in turn, causing mental symptoms.
2. Biological Factors:
- Neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, play a key role in neural signaling. Abnormal levels of these neurotransmitters can lead to dysfunctional neural circuits, ultimately causing mental illness.
- Structural abnormalities in the brain, such as abnormal development of the cerebral cortex, enlarged ventricles, and reduced volume of the frontal and temporal lobes, may also contribute to the development of mental illness. Organic brain lesions, such as brain tumors, cerebrovascular disease, and brain infections, can also disrupt normal brain structure and function, leading to mental symptoms.
- Psychological Factors:
- Psychological trauma is a significant factor in the development of mental illness. Severe childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, and parental divorce, can profoundly impact an individual's psychological development and lead to abnormal psychological defense mechanisms. These traumatic experiences can be reactivated in stressful situations in adulthood, triggering mental illness.
- Individuals who experience chronic stress and have negative personality traits tend to have poorer psychological resilience and are more susceptible to mental illness. They struggle to cope effectively with life's setbacks and are prone to negative emotions, increasing their risk of developing mental illness.
- Social Environmental Factors:
- A negative social environment significantly impacts the development and progression of mental illness. Social stressors such as poverty, unemployment, and social discrimination place individuals in a state of chronic stress, increasing their psychological burden and predisposing them to mental illness. A lack of social support systems, such as a lack of care and support from family and friends, can prevent individuals from receiving effective psychological support when facing difficulties, further increasing their likelihood of developing mental illness.
- Stigma and prejudice against mental illness in some cultures can deter patients from seeking help and delay treatment. The values and lifestyles of certain cultures can also place significant psychological pressure on individuals, increasing their risk of developing mental illness.
The causes of mental illness are complex, requiring comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. We should pay attention to our own and those around us' mental health. When experiencing unusual emotions or behaviors, we should seek professional help promptly to ensure early detection and intervention to reduce the risk and harm of mental illness.
How to Care for Mental Illness
- Daily Behavior Management:
Assist patients in establishing a regular sleep and rest schedule, ensuring regular meal, sleep, and bathing times. Arrange appropriate activities based on the patient's condition, such as light housework or walking, to maintain independence and prevent functional decline due to the disease.
- Dynamic monitoring:
Closely monitor changes in the patient's symptoms, including mood swings, hallucinations and delusions, and the frequency of unusual behavior. Keep detailed records and provide timely feedback to the doctor to facilitate adjustments to the treatment plan and prevent worsening of the condition or sudden danger.
- Safety and environmental protection:
Remove dangerous objects such as knives, ropes, and excessive medications from the patient's living space. Reinforce doors and windows to prevent accidents such as self-harm, harm to others, or loss of possession, providing physical safety for the patient.