What causes mental illness

[Kathi]

http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/mental-health-causes-mental-illness


Causes of Mental Illness

mental illness? Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
What Biological Factors Are Involved in Mental Illness?[/paste:font]
Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of special chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. In addition, defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain have also been linked to some mental conditions.
Other biological factors that may be involved in the development of mental illness include:

• Genetics (heredity): Many mental illnesses run in families, suggesting that people who have a family member with a mental illness are more likely to develop one themselves. Susceptibility is passed on in families through genes. Experts believe many mental illnesses are linked to abnormalities in many genes -- not just one. That is why a person inherits a susceptibility to a mental illness and doesn't necessarily develop the illness. Mental illness itself occurs from the interaction of multiple genes and other factors --such as stress, abuse, or a traumatic event -- which can influence, or trigger, an illness in a person who has an inherited susceptibility to it.
• Infections: Certain infections have been linked to brain damage and the development of mental illness or the worsening of its symptoms. For example, a condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDA) associated with the Streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses in children.
• Brain defects or injury: Defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain have also been linked to some mental illnesses.
• Prenatal damage: Some evidence suggests that a disruption of early fetal brain development or trauma that occurs at the time of birth -- for example, loss of oxygen to the brain -- may be a factor in the development of certain conditions, such as autism.
• Substance abuse: Long-term substance abuse, in particular, has been linked to anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
• Other factors: Poor nutrition and exposure to toxins, such as lead, may play a role in the development of mental illnesses.

What Psychological Factors Contribute to Mental Illness?
Psychological factors that may contribute to mental illness include:

• Severe psychological trauma suffered as a child, such as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
• An important early loss, such as the loss of a parent
• Neglect
• Poor ability to relate to others

Continue reading below...
What Environmental Factors Contribute to Mental Illness?
Certain stressors can trigger an illness in a person who is susceptible to mental illness. These stressors include:

• Death or divorce
• A dysfunctional family life
• Feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, or loneliness
• Changing jobs or schools
• Social or cultural expectations (For example, a society that associates beauty with thinness can be a factor in the development of eating disorders.)
• Substance abuse by the person or the person's parents

 

[Angel]

Doctors and Psychiatrists don't really know what causes it physically. Their best guess is that something is going wrong with the amount of dopamine in the brain.

My illness began when I was 19. My family didn't know what it was then.
Substance abuse made it a lot worse- when I didn't know I was ill.
Drinking alcohol/Herion was my way of coping. It made it go away.
I never got addicted to meth and the like because of the hellish side affects.
My illness is spiritual as well as mental.
For awhile I was homeless and alone and the experience was very traumatic.
Because of this I am scared of night time (even though its been 7 years)
But I will tell you, I have come a very, very , very long way.
There are many things that have happened to me that hurt me, but it isn't necessary
to talk about because this isn't a boo hoo poor me thread.
This is just my experience.

 

[Kathi]

Doctors and Psychiatrists don't really know what causes it physically. Their best guess is that something is going wrong with the amount of dopamine in the brain.

My illness began when I was 19. My family didn't know what it was then.
Substance abuse made it a lot worse- when I didn't know I was ill.
Drinking alcohol/Herion was my way of coping. It made it go away.
I never got addicted to meth and the like because of the hellish side affects.
My illness is spiritual as well as mental.
For awhile I was homeless and alone and the experience was very traumatic.
Because of this I am scared of night time (even though its been 7 years)
But I will tell you, I have come a very, very , very long way.
There are many things that have happened to me that hurt me, but it isn't necessary
to talk about because this isn't a boo hoo poor me thread.
This is just my experience.

I am sorry that you have gone through all that.God loves you.

 

[Angel]

Thanks Kathi.

God loves you too!

 

[agua.]

What is normal?

I think when you have no problems somethings wrong :D

 

[agua.]

Today, everything that could go did go wrong. I got so frustrated i nearly drop kicked my fishing rod in the water it was just not cool. Just nothing went smooth today. Today was cursed or i was under a test and semi failed.

I'm sure something went right. Your fishing rod isn't in Davy Jones locker for one maybe you passed smile and nod :D

 

[Milk-Drops]

What is normal?

When I was studying psychology, it was stressed that there really isn't a specific normal state. However mental illness isn't measuring how someone is far from normal. Usually a mental illness is something that causes a person to be compromised in their thinking or actions from irrational means or symptoms. Basically when someone is incapable or hindered to perform social or mental exercises, a person could have a mental illness.

 

[r3alchild]

But the question is, is mental illness due to demonic influence. Some people think so and they seek relief from god rather than medication and some people do both. I had a friend who kept going off his meds because his faith made him believe jesus would heal him this time. But alas he just ended up back in hospital. I think he follows hinduism now.

 

[agua.]

However mental illness isn't measuring how someone is far from normal.

Phew

Distance between Normal, Illinois, USA and Gold Coast, Australia

~ 14376 km = 8933 miles

 

[Milk-Drops]

I do find it amazing how over the last not so many years, maybe because of technology or something, and i really cant say what is wrong or right, but the amount of people these days who are diagnosed with 'mental illness'. Its like these days if someone just has a bad day or week and go to the doc feeling stressed or a bit down they get diagnosed with some sort of mental illness.

I can't speak for everyone, but in some of the other communities I've been involved with and when I was in school it was also stressed that a lot of people self diagnose. Or over diagnosis happens when disorders or illnesses are very vauge. Some examples are Depression, Autism, Bi Polar Disorder, anxiety, ocd, ADHD/ADD, etc. That is mainly because a doctor might sugest a possibility of the disorder being pressent or someone self diagnoses after doing some limited reading. Many of these illnesses and disorders have aspects of just normal every day life, but usually have amplified behaviors around them.

I was on meds in my youth from 9yo on meds and got messed up. From the time i hit 18 and went off them, i went down hill and depressed. Never was the same until i met the Lord Jesus who gave me natural healing, and gave me the mind to know im not stupid and depressed. I'm really great and it was all just in my head. Fear and panic.

I was diagnosed with Depression and ADD when I was younger and I still suffer from both. I also have some social skill issues that need addressed. However I've taken the initiative to try and correct these issues to better myself and also have been able to get to a better place.

Im the happiest i have ever been in my life the last year from reading the gospels, not only but the whole OT and NT. Its wisdom and reality. Ever since i found the Lord i feel self worth.

I'm glad to hear you found something that works for you.

 

[r3alchild]

I dont know, and i have no right or judgement to say ot talk about others on a personal level. I can only speak for myself. Everyone to there own. Suppose there are many factors involved for everyones personal situations.

True true

 

[Eugene]

Doctors and Psychiatrists don't really know what causes it physically. Their best guess is that something is going wrong with the amount of dopamine in the brain.
Substance abuse made it a lot worse- when I didn't know I was ill.

His dear sister, regardless the research there are no absolutes in mental health. One person suffering all the wrong done them is not overcome by it, and another is.

I continue to see comparisons to Mat 17:21, Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting, but does this pertain to all depression and other manifestations considered illness?

Should I judge them? I see many ready to pray the devil out of such a one, and yet use doctors for their own maladies such as cancer, eye glasses, and tooth aches. Oh the humanity. I pray those afflicted find help in their time of need, and I do believe it will be by going directly to God and His throne of grace, but I am never disappointed when He gives them help through doctors and medicines; the world is our servants.

Blessings in Christ Jesus.

 

[Christ_empowered]

I have...something, lol. Something severe. Right now, I think the diagnosis is Bipolar I w/Psychotic Features. When I was younger, I seemed much more schizophrenic (heavy on the psychosis and paranoia). Anyway, Jesus has seen fit to do a lot for me, but the "crazy" requires meds...right now, 3 daily meds and one as-needed. I'm doing much, much better. I also do Orthomolecular a system of high dose vitamins that work *with* meds and counseling so you get better and also get fewer medication-related side effects. Good stuff, I wish all "crazy" people could do it.

In my own case, I think lots of social isolation and stress at an early age, plus high dose Adderall plus Klonopin, plus more stress and social isolation, led to a complete psychotic break at 23. I was heavily electroshocked, which you'd think would fix the problem, but instead it turned me into a still mentally ill semi-vegetable for a while. Teen Challenge, meds, direct Divine Intervention, etc., all combined to bring me back to life...and now I need meds, lol. Oh well.

Truth be told, I think the connection between drugs and crazy is tricky. I was on drugs because I already had problems, which then got worse because of a number of factors, drugs included. See what I'm saying? Also, I do suspect a demonic *element* to my breakdown at 23, but I think who I am now (Bipolar and all) is largely a result of Christ's healing and good psychiatry.

 

[Claudya]

The line between normal and ill is not always clear. And there is also a difference between behaviour that is abnormal and behaviour that needs treatment.

Basically treatment is needed if a person's experience or behaviour permanently or frequently over a certain period of time causes suffering for themselves and their friends/ family/ co-workers/ community, threatens self or others, or hinders the person (or others) from fulfilling their duties or pursuing important personal goals.

In some cases it's hard to decide whether a person is just a lil' weird or seriously ill. In those cases the person's self-assessment should take precedence (at least if no other people are harmed by whatever the symptoms are), so if the person in question says s/he may be a bit crazy but is okay with that we mustn't force treatment onto them (unless there's a real threat for them or others in their craziness). Also, if a person doesn't seem to fulfill the diagostic criteria for any disorder but reports a great deal of personal suffering then from an ethical PoV they should receive whatever help is needed to reduce that suffering.

But in general there is a great variance of what human experience is like. Some things are considered "normal" in one culture but insane in another. For example, in my country attempting suicide would be a reason to lock you away in a psychiatry ward for at least a couple of days to make sure you don't try it again and get the treatment you need to get better. On the other hand, suicide could be an honourable and much respected act in medieval Japan.
That's how cultural influences can make a difference in what is considered normal and desirable, or abnormal and despicable.
Thus sanity could also be cosidered as a level to which you are adapted and adjusted to the requirements of the world you live in, that includes both the physical and the social world.

It's really hard to say what is normal, it's much easier to say what is abnormal.

 

[Kathi]

What is normal?

The setting on a washing machine.

 

[Kathi]

But the question is, is mental illness due to demonic influence. Some people think so and they seek relief from god rather than medication and some people do both. I had a friend who kept going off his meds because his faith made him believe jesus would heal him this time. But alas he just ended up back in hospital. I think he follows hinduism now.

I do not think that mental illness is due to demonic influence.I think that is sad when people do think that.A pastor once told my son who is disabled that.My son was so offended that he said he would not step through the door of another church again.That was years ago and he has not.

 

[jasoncran]

I was talking to monica about my sister renee. renee is a mentally challenged woman at the age 0f 35. she did talk for a few years and could write but that is gone. I wonder what she would say if she could talk and write. I shall know in heaven.

 

[Kathi]

You can not say to someone who truly loves the Lord and has the Holy Spirit within them that evil spirits are causing their illness.For you can not have the Holy Spirit within you and evil spirits.The two do not mix.

 

[Kathi]

I was talking to monica about my sister renee. renee is a mentally challenged woman at the age 0f 35. she did talk for a few years and could write but that is gone. I wonder what she would say if she could talk and write. I shall know in heaven.

I do feel that those who are so very challenged and do not have the opportunity to know the Lord will go to Heaven.That just does not make sense with Gods love,mercy and Grace that He would send someone to hell if they did not have to ability to know Him.

 

[jasoncran]

I do feel that those who are so very challenged and do not have the opportunity to know the Lord will go to Heaven.That just does not make sense with Gods love,mercy and Grace that He would send someone to hell if they did not have to ability to know Him.

monica told me that. i haven't thought of renee like that in a while. i wonder what she will say and do. she has beautiful gentile nature at times.she will hug you. i remember when she would sleep with the glowworm she had and did so each night. it was a very peaceful site to see.