CAUSES OF MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS

Having a mental health illness can be upsetting, confusing, and frightening. If you may feel that it is a sign of weakness, or you are losing your mind. However, it is important to note that mental health problems are a common human experience. 

There is no single cause for mental illness. Several factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as;

• Drug and substance abuse, such as alcohol abuse
• Unemployment or losing your job
• Trauma such as rape, witnessing murder or violence, or accidents 
• Heartbreaks and rejections 
• Loneliness and self-isolation
• Losing someone very close to you. It can be family, friend, and even relative.
• Stigma and discrimination such as homophobia 
• Gender-based violence and all forms of bullying 
• Terminal or chronic illnesses such as cancer and HIV can lead to mental illness
• Unhealthy relationships 
• Dealing with divorce 
• Genetics and family history

Remember 

Mental health illness can feel very personal and hard to understand, so the idea that there could be a distinct physical cause for difficult thoughts, feelings, and behaviors might make it feel easier to talk openly about your experiences and ask for help.