Symptoms and Causes of Mental Health Issues

What are the symptoms of mental illness?

Each type of mental illness has a different set of symptoms. For example, extreme dieting may be a sign that someone has an eating disorder. Hearing voices could be a sign of psychosis. An ongoing feeling of hopelessness after childbirth could be a sign of postnatal depression. People with depression can have a lasting sadness or low mood. People with anxiety often have excessive worry or fears. Sometimes feelings of anxiety happen without any apparent reason.

Drastic changes in a person’s thoughts, moods or behaviour can be a sign they have a mental illness. Changes can be sudden or come on gradually over a long period. A person who usually copes well with life may start to have trouble doing their normal activities. These changes can cause them, or their loved ones, distress. These signs could indicate a mental illness.

Here are some signs of mental illness to look out for:

·         unusual or illogical thoughts

·         unreasonable anger or irritability

·         poor concentration and memory, not being able to follow a conversation

·         hearing voices that no one else can hear

·         increased or decreased sleep

·         increased or low appetite, or preoccupation with control over food, calories or excessive exercise

·         lack of motivation

·         withdrawing from people

·         drug use

·         feelings that life is not worth living or suicidal thoughts

·         becoming obsessed with a topic, like death

·         not looking after personal hygiene or other responsibilities

·         not doing as well as usual at school or work

The symptoms of mental illness can come and go throughout a person’s life.

What causes mental illness?

Researchers are still trying to understand what causes mental illness. There is not simply one cause, and often it is a complex mix of factors. These can include genetics and aspects of social learning, such as how you grew up.

It can also be impacted by how your brain works and the interplay with your environment. Your social group, your culture and life experience can also play a part in the development of a mental illness.

Some examples of these factors include:

Genetic factors — having a close family member with a mental illness can increase the chance that you might get a mental illness. However, just because one family member has a mental illness doesn’t mean that others will.

Drug and alcohol abuse — illicit drug use can trigger a manic episode (bipolar disorder) or an episode of psychosis. Drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and amphetamines can cause paranoia.

Other biological factors — some medical conditions or hormonal changes can cause mental health problems.

Early life environment — negative childhood experiences can increase the risk of some mental illnesses. Examples of negative childhood experiences are abuse or neglect.

Trauma and stress — in adulthood, traumatic life events or ongoing stress can increase the risk of mental illness. Issues such as social isolation, domestic violence, relationship breakdown, financial or work problems can impact on mental health. Traumatic experiences such as living in a war zone can increase the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Personality factors — some traits such as perfectionism or low self-esteem can increase the risk of depression or anxiety.