There are three interrelated factors that may cause mental illness. These are the biological or physical factors, psychological factors, and socio-cultural factors.
BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
These are the imbalances of the neuro-chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters aid the brain nerve cells communicate with each other. If these chemicals are not in balance or are not working properly, messages from the senses or organs may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. Moreover, the presence of injuries and defects in the brain may also cause mental illness. These are called the physical factors.
PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
These include the person’s negative interpretation, attitude, thoughts, and feelings about him/herself, other people and the events in his/her life. For example, if a person has a very low self-esteem and self concept he/she will likely experience difficulties coping or dealing with problems in life. He/she will likely cope negatively for example by blaming others, isolating him/herself, resorting to alcohol, drugs and other self destructive behaviors which may contribute to the development of mental illness. Conversely, people who have traumatic and abusive experiences may be at risk of developing Post-traumatic
Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or other types of anxiety or mood disorder. On the other hand, although these people are at high risk, some may not develop mental illness if they have adequate coping mechanisms as well as the presence of other protective factors.
SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS
These, on the other hand, refer to the cultural, environmental, and familial stressors that can trigger the occurrence of mental illness in persons who are at high risk. Examples of this are the death of a loved one, separation of parents, dysfunctional family life, or unemployment, discrimination among other.