Factors that result in poor mental health
1. | Childhood abuse, domestic violence |
2. | Social isolation or loneliness |
3. | Experiencing discrimination and stigma |
4. | Social disadvantage - poverty, debt, homelessness or poor housing |
5. | Bereavement |
6. | Severe or long-term stress |
7. | Long-term physical health condition |
8. | Substance abuse |
9. | Being a long-term carer for someone |
Do mental health problems run in families?
Research suggests that some mental health problems may run in families. But this could also be due to the environment we grow up in that affects the ways of thinking, coping and behaving that we may learn from our parents.
Is brain chemistry a factor?
Some research suggests that mental health problems may be linked to a variation in certain brain chemicals (such as serotonin and dopamine). Although there is no strong evidence to say that any mental health problems are caused by a chemical imbalance in our brains, some people still use brain chemistry to explain them.