Mental health is a complex subject that looks different for every person. What one person struggles with, another might handle without an issue. The reasons why mental health disorders may develop in some people and not in others have confounded psychologists, psychiatrists, and the medical field for decades. While we have figured out there isn’t one common cause that is the same for everyone, some factors have been determined to have an outsized impact.

Trauma

Many people struggling with mental health issues can trace their challenges back to trauma starting in their childhood. Since it’s one of the most impressionable times in our lives and impacts how we develop into adulthood, traumatic events from this time can have far-reaching effects.

For example, if a child, adolescent, or young adult experiences any form of abuse, trauma, neglect, social isolation, or any potentially traumatizing experiences, that can potentially result in some form of trauma that may impact them for years into adulthood. Not addressing this trauma can lead to further mental health issues so getting help is key.

Significant Trauma 

Whether it’s being bullied as a child, the victim of a crime as an adult, or even an experience such as being a first responder or military, significant and visceral trauma can leave a lasting impact on your overall mental health. PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders often stem from experiencing your own version of traumatic events. If you don’t have a support system to help process your feelings and experiences, your subsequent mental health could be compromised.

Extreme Loneliness

Loneliness or a sense of isolation starting in childhood isn’t the only time there may be an impact on your mental health. A person, at their core, is a social creature, striving to feel some kind of connection with others, whether through family, friendships, colleagues, teammates, or intimate romantic relationships. At different times in our lives, we can feel isolated; in some cases, that loneliness can transform into feelings such as depression.

Sudden Life Changes

People are creatures of habit; we find comfort and joy in the familiar. When we have our established routines, we can experience peace in having a semblance of balance and familiarity with what’s coming next. However, unexpected events like the sudden loss of a relationship or loved one, day-to-day life stressors, financial or even losing your job, or another life-altering event can potentially lead to mental health struggles like anxiety or depression.

Being a Long-Term Care Giver for a Loved One

When someone close to us is struggling or falls ill and requires extra care and attention, we may, without hesitation, selflessly shift into a supportive role and become the primary caregiver or support system.

However, in the process of taking care of them, you may have fallen out of touch with taking care of yourself at the same time. When we focus on providing care for someone else, it can be easy to fall into the trap of neglecting our own needs. If you fail to prioritize self-care, you may experience depression, anxiety, or even trauma related to the situation.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Often going hand-in-hand, drug and alcohol abuse frequently co-occur with mental health disorders. Whether one causes the other or vice versa, the end result remains the same — you may take a substance to try to escape any mental anguish you’re feeling, and when you’re sober, you may feel regret, shame, or even depressed about how you used the substance. It can become a self-defeating cycle without help or support.

Find a Mental Health Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Today

Now that you know some of the most common reasons why mental health disorders develop, you should know there is hope. Finding a mental health treatment program in Fort Lauderdale, FL, that can help you process and deal with your condition is vital to your ongoing recovery.

Mental health treatments are rarely a straight line and require a caring and personalized approach to your treatments. Lifeskills South Florida has helped countless patients receive the personalized care and attention they need to begin their recovery journey. If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health disorder, contact our facility at
954-953-1742 to learn more about our programs,what we treat, and the admissions process today.

Sources:

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/06/roots

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968

https://screening.mhanational.org/content/what-causes-mental-illness/