By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS– Mental illness is a health condition that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It can impact daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder, etc.
It can also be defined as a significant disturbance in an individual’s cognitive, emotional, or behavioral processes, often causing distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of life.
Major Causes
Genetics: Genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can contribute to mental health issues.
Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events, such as childhood abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, violence and other forms of abuse can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety etc.
Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to the development of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
Social and environmental factors: Social isolation, poverty, and lack of access to resources can contribute to mental health issues.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse can contribute to the development of mental health conditions, such as substance use disorder and psychosis.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as chronic illness or pain, can increase the risk of developing mental health issues.
Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or low self-esteem, can increase the risk of developing mental health issues.
Sleepless: Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
Neurodevelopmental factors: Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, can affect mental health and well-being of an individual.
Types of mental disorders
Depressive disorders: Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest
Bipolar disorder: Marked by extreme mood swings
Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder affecting thought, perception, and behavior
Anxiety disorders: Excessive fear, anxiety, or avoidance of anxiety-provoking stimuli
Substance abuse disorders: Misuse of substances leading to significant distress or impairment
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after experiencing traumatic events
Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurring, intrusive thoughts and compulsions to perform specific rituals
Panic disorder: Recurring panic attacks
Eating disorders: Abnormal eating habits affecting physical and mental health.
Stigma
Stigma refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, or stereotypes associated with a particular group, in this case, individuals with …
To be continued…
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is CEO and Director of clinical psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos.
+234 803 402 4457
