Ebony
19-12-03, 07:25 PM
causes of mental distress
http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/mind/distress.html
'Why?' That's what most of us ask when someone we know experiences a mental health problem. However, in most cases, it is almost impossible to discover the exact reasons why a particular individual is distressed.
Most mental health problems have a number of contributing causes that will vary from person to person. These can include an inherited vulnerability to certain problems, upsetting events in an individual's past or present, specific stresses and the person's own circumstances and personality.
genetic predisposition
If you have a genetic predisposition to a certain problem, it means that you have an inherited vulnerability in that area. It does not mean that you will necessarily develop the problem, simply that your risks of doing so are higher than normal.
The exact role that genetic vulnerability plays in a wide range of mental health conditions is not yet clear.
Research suggests that some people inherit a genetic predisposition to clinical depression and that it is also likely to play a part in some cases of manic depression.
Genetic predisposition is a contributing factor for some people who develop schizophrenia. Your chances of developing that illness increase 10 times if you have a parent with schizophrenia, whether or not that parent has brought you up.
It is thought that some people may inherit a genetic predisposition for some types of anxiety, but more research is needed.
One puzzle is why a particular person within a family develops a certain problem when brothers and sisters, who have been brought up in a very similar way, remain unaffected. We don't know all the reasons for this. However, we all differ in terms of physical constitution, temperament and the way we each interpret and make use of experience. It may be that some members of a family are born more vulnerable to certain types of stress or become so as the result of circumstances.
upsetting events in the past
People are more at risk of developing mental health problems if they have experienced certain upsetting events in the past, such as the loss of their mother before they reach the age of 11 or abuse, neglect or other difficulties within the family. Moreover, if children and young people with such problems are not given appropriate support at the time, their difficulties may persist into adult life.
If your problems have their roots in childhood experiences, they are likely to be quite complex. You may need professional help and support for quite a time to help you deal with them.
stress
Stress often contributes to mental health problems. Sometimes a particular stress or an accumulation of stresses may be the main cause. Or other factors may be more important and the stress simply acts as a trigger – the last straw.
While you may be unable to avoid some stresses, it is likely that there are others that you can control – for example, taking on too many responsibilities or working continually against the clock. It is important to sort out your priorities and say no to extra demands so that you give yourself time to relax and recover your energy.
Check out the health magazine stress section for more information and ways of reducing stress at home and work.
life events
Major events or changes in life can be very stressful. They are often associated with some kind of loss – bereavement, losing a job, relationship break-up. Even when the changes seem positive – such as having a baby, moving home or starting a new job – they, too, can prove stressful. This is because, in both types of events, the person involved has to adapt and find new ways to cope. This can be particularly difficult if a number of major changes have to be dealt with over a short period.
If you can, try to space out the important changes in your life. For example, it is a good idea to avoid moving home straight after a bereavement. And don't bottle up your feelings if you are feeling distressed. Talk to someone you trust about any worries.
You might like to visit the health magazine family section for information about ways of dealing with stress and the ups and downs of family life.
continuing stressful situations
Distressing situations that continue over time, such as bullying or racial harassment, may contribute to anxiety or depression. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is essential that you get advice and support for yourself rather than just letting it continue.
Feeling trapped in a situation over which you have no control or feeling unneeded or unappreciated, either at home or work, can also contribute to mental health problems. Try to find an activity where you are appreciated or have some control, such as voluntary work, a hobby or a sport.
Problems with a relationship, particularly with someone close, can be extremely upsetting and a cause of mental distress. When it is too difficult to talk things over with the person concerned, it may help to confide in a trusted friend to relieve your feelings and get things into perspective. You might also need professional support to help you understand what is happening and find a way of dealing with it.
illness
The mind and body are very closely linked, and physical illnesses can affect us psychologically. Therefore, it is not surprising that people sometimes feel more anxious or down because of a physical illness or because of the limitations it imposes on their lives.
However, depression can be a symptom of a number of physical conditions – including thyroid deficiency and other hormone imbalance. It can also follow certain illnesses, such as glandular fever and influenza, even when the person seems to have recovered. In addition, medication prescribed for certain illnesses – such as high blood pressure drugs and steroids – can produce depression or anxiety as a side-effect.
lifestyle
Your lifestyle can make you feel good physically and mentally, or it can produce the opposite effect.
*Lack of exercise often increases tension and anxiety. Regular exercise will keep you fit, energetic and more able to cope.
*Missing meals or eating a diet lacking in essential nutrients can increase anxiety or depression. It is important to eat regular balanced meals, however rushed you are.
*Large quantities of caffeine can increase anxiety. If you are drinking more than a few cups of tea or coffee each day, you might consider cutting down and substituting other drinks such as fruit juice, herb teas or water.
http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/mind/distress.html
'Why?' That's what most of us ask when someone we know experiences a mental health problem. However, in most cases, it is almost impossible to discover the exact reasons why a particular individual is distressed.
Most mental health problems have a number of contributing causes that will vary from person to person. These can include an inherited vulnerability to certain problems, upsetting events in an individual's past or present, specific stresses and the person's own circumstances and personality.
genetic predisposition
If you have a genetic predisposition to a certain problem, it means that you have an inherited vulnerability in that area. It does not mean that you will necessarily develop the problem, simply that your risks of doing so are higher than normal.
The exact role that genetic vulnerability plays in a wide range of mental health conditions is not yet clear.
Research suggests that some people inherit a genetic predisposition to clinical depression and that it is also likely to play a part in some cases of manic depression.
Genetic predisposition is a contributing factor for some people who develop schizophrenia. Your chances of developing that illness increase 10 times if you have a parent with schizophrenia, whether or not that parent has brought you up.
It is thought that some people may inherit a genetic predisposition for some types of anxiety, but more research is needed.
One puzzle is why a particular person within a family develops a certain problem when brothers and sisters, who have been brought up in a very similar way, remain unaffected. We don't know all the reasons for this. However, we all differ in terms of physical constitution, temperament and the way we each interpret and make use of experience. It may be that some members of a family are born more vulnerable to certain types of stress or become so as the result of circumstances.
upsetting events in the past
People are more at risk of developing mental health problems if they have experienced certain upsetting events in the past, such as the loss of their mother before they reach the age of 11 or abuse, neglect or other difficulties within the family. Moreover, if children and young people with such problems are not given appropriate support at the time, their difficulties may persist into adult life.
If your problems have their roots in childhood experiences, they are likely to be quite complex. You may need professional help and support for quite a time to help you deal with them.
stress
Stress often contributes to mental health problems. Sometimes a particular stress or an accumulation of stresses may be the main cause. Or other factors may be more important and the stress simply acts as a trigger – the last straw.
While you may be unable to avoid some stresses, it is likely that there are others that you can control – for example, taking on too many responsibilities or working continually against the clock. It is important to sort out your priorities and say no to extra demands so that you give yourself time to relax and recover your energy.
Check out the health magazine stress section for more information and ways of reducing stress at home and work.
life events
Major events or changes in life can be very stressful. They are often associated with some kind of loss – bereavement, losing a job, relationship break-up. Even when the changes seem positive – such as having a baby, moving home or starting a new job – they, too, can prove stressful. This is because, in both types of events, the person involved has to adapt and find new ways to cope. This can be particularly difficult if a number of major changes have to be dealt with over a short period.
If you can, try to space out the important changes in your life. For example, it is a good idea to avoid moving home straight after a bereavement. And don't bottle up your feelings if you are feeling distressed. Talk to someone you trust about any worries.
You might like to visit the health magazine family section for information about ways of dealing with stress and the ups and downs of family life.
continuing stressful situations
Distressing situations that continue over time, such as bullying or racial harassment, may contribute to anxiety or depression. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is essential that you get advice and support for yourself rather than just letting it continue.
Feeling trapped in a situation over which you have no control or feeling unneeded or unappreciated, either at home or work, can also contribute to mental health problems. Try to find an activity where you are appreciated or have some control, such as voluntary work, a hobby or a sport.
Problems with a relationship, particularly with someone close, can be extremely upsetting and a cause of mental distress. When it is too difficult to talk things over with the person concerned, it may help to confide in a trusted friend to relieve your feelings and get things into perspective. You might also need professional support to help you understand what is happening and find a way of dealing with it.
illness
The mind and body are very closely linked, and physical illnesses can affect us psychologically. Therefore, it is not surprising that people sometimes feel more anxious or down because of a physical illness or because of the limitations it imposes on their lives.
However, depression can be a symptom of a number of physical conditions – including thyroid deficiency and other hormone imbalance. It can also follow certain illnesses, such as glandular fever and influenza, even when the person seems to have recovered. In addition, medication prescribed for certain illnesses – such as high blood pressure drugs and steroids – can produce depression or anxiety as a side-effect.
lifestyle
Your lifestyle can make you feel good physically and mentally, or it can produce the opposite effect.
*Lack of exercise often increases tension and anxiety. Regular exercise will keep you fit, energetic and more able to cope.
*Missing meals or eating a diet lacking in essential nutrients can increase anxiety or depression. It is important to eat regular balanced meals, however rushed you are.
*Large quantities of caffeine can increase anxiety. If you are drinking more than a few cups of tea or coffee each day, you might consider cutting down and substituting other drinks such as fruit juice, herb teas or water.