Example of social factor associated with mental health
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Example of social factor associated with mental health such as disability and social security systems, labor markets, and health care organizations
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If psychology teaches us nothing else, it teaches that practically no disorder can be traced back to a single cause. For one thing, some medical and physiological issues put people at higher risk for some disorders. However, this was not always known or acknowledged. For example, for years autism was blamed on poor parenting, or the so-called 'refrigerator mother' excuse. Now, we know (in addition to many other factors) it appears to be rooted in impairments of a child's nervous system, something no mother could affect.
In this lesson, we take a closer look at two categories of factors that can contribute to mental health disorders: psychological and social. It is theorized that these two may account for as many as 60% of psychological disorders.
Psychological Causes of Mental Health Problems
In some instances, previous issues in a person's background can have a snowball effect and lead to worsening psychological conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one prominent example. A past history of painful experiences, whether physical or mental, can leave an individual scarred and struggling. For instance, Joey was verbally abused by his mother when she wasn't neglecting him altogether to spend time with serial boyfriends. Even after he was grown, Joey was defensive and prone to anxiety or outbursts of anger.
As the name PTSD implies, stress of all kinds leaves its mark. Carol was a teacher caught in the middle of a school shooting. For years thereafter, she had panic attacks when she heard a fire alarm, even if she knew it was only a drill.
Social Causes of Mental Health Disorders
You may have noticed that stress and trauma, while considered psychological factors, come from a person's environment; they are not purely mental. You are correct! Remember what we said at the start of the lesson: psychological conditions rarely if ever have a single cause.
Stresses and traumas arise from what happens to and around a person. Some social stresses include financial hardships, family and relationship issues, job instability, and cultural differences. Here's an example: after Mei's best friend died, she became very depressed. However, her family did not deal with emotions or teach their children how to deal with psychological issues. She learned to pretend everything was fine, but her depression only deepened.
Another example: the factory where Donnell worked was sold and closed down. After twenty years, he was suddenly out of a job. His family struggled financially. His wife Maisy had to work to help support them. Don's self-image as the 'man of the house' and breadwinner took a beating, and he too became depressed. Like Mei, he was not raised with awareness of how to reach out for help. It wasn't until the day he told Maisy, ''You all would be better off without me,'' that she realized just how ill he was.
Prevention: The Evidence
All of our fictional examples are people who need help. In every case, however, there are interventions that can improve the current situation. There are also preventive strategies that could have been applied to keep each person's mental health from declining.