Mental health disorders can affect anyone, of any age, background, upbringing, or socioeconomic status. However, certain factors put a person at higher risk for developing a mental illness: genetics, unhealthy relationships, stress, substance abuse, and an unsafe living environment are just a few. While some of these risk factors cannot be avoided, many more can be prevented or addressed. And, as such, many mental health problems can be prevented, too.
Is mental illness preventable?
Some types of mental illness can be prevented, although it depends on the case. Additionally, the negative effects of mental illness can be prevented or lessened, with early attention and support.
Common mental health disorders like anxiety and depression can be prevented by having certain protective factors in place. Sometimes, though, major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are caused by biological predisposition and cannot always be stopped. Fortunately, though, the symptoms of these disorders can be reduced or alleviated with the right steps taken.
What does prevention mean, exactly?
Before we dive deep into prevention strategies, let’s take a step back to understand what prevention is. Because in the case of mental illness, there are a few different meanings or applications of this word.
- Preventing mental illness before it starts.
Large-scale prevention efforts are often aimed at stopping people from developing mental illness in the first place. This means encouraging healthy habits, safe living situations, mentorship, nurturing, and education well before the symptoms of mental illness begin.
- Preventing mental illness in higher risk individuals.
Certain individuals are more vulnerable to mental illness, as a result of biology or experiences they’ve endured. This includes those with a family history of mental health conditions as well as those who have been exposed to trauma, discrimination, and abuse. For these individuals, mental illness can still be prevented, but efforts must be more intentional and focused on their unique circumstances and needs.
- Preventing the negative effects of mental illness in those struggling.
Millions of people are already struggling with mental illness. While their disorders can no longer be prevented, there are still ways to reduce their symptoms and prevent their mental illness from negatively affecting their lives. Those facing a mental illness can go on to live a healthy, productive, and meaningful life when they are given the right tools for success.
What makes a person prone to mental illness?
In order to prevent mental illness, we must understand exactly what causes these disorders in the first place. Typically, it’s a mix of biological factors—such as our neurological make-up—and life experiences that contribute to the development (and prevention) of mental illness.
Risk factors that make a person more likely to develop a mental illness include:
- Frequent or chronic stress
- History of violence, abuse, and trauma
- Poor living conditions or an unsafe home environment
- Social pressures and expectations (from peers, parents, society, or the media)
- Substance abuse
- Physical and chronic health disorders
- Family history of mental illness
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Lack of sleep and/or poor nutrition
- Unhealthy relationships or lack of relationships at all (i.e. loneliness)
- Inability to connect or relate to others
- Negative thought patterns and low self-esteem
- Neglect and abandonment
Protective factors that can help prevent a mental illness include:
- Connectedness with peers and community
- Supportive and nurturing relationships with family
- A stable, secure, well-structured home environment
- Positive development in childhood and adolescence
- Healthy habits from an early age, including physical activity and good nutrition
- Getting adequate amounts of sleep
- Strong self-esteem and self-love
- Ability to regulate/manage emotions
- Ability to cope with difficult experiences and stress
Let’s explore protective factors, and tips for improving mental health, a bit more below.
How can you prevent mental illness from developing?
The vast majority of mental health conditions emerge by a person’s mid-20s, and half of all mental illness begins by age 14. And we know that, throughout our youth, the development of the brain is both rapid and critical. As a result, most primary prevention efforts must happen during these early years.
This is especially important for parents to know. From a young age, we can work to prevent mental health problems from arising in our children—and these actions are important to carry through to the teen and young adult years. Strategies parents and caregivers can implement include:
- Nurturing children with love, compassion, and empathy
- Encouraging children to love and care for themselves
- Ensuring children’s basic needs are met, including offering nutritious food and a safe, secure living environment
- Protecting children from trauma, abuse, and stress
- Promoting good health and tending to any health needs in children
- Teaching children to understand and manage their emotions in a healthy way
- Ensuring children feel connected to others, and helping reduce any risk of loneliness
- Helping children develop the skills needed for healthy, independent living
Additionally, for anyone looking to prevent mental health issues from developing, you should look to:
- Encourage open and honest communication, which means talking about mental health, any problems you might be going through, and promoting active listening
- Find connectedness and touch base with others, whether that’s with trusted friends, family members, mentors, or counselors
- Always get a good night’s sleep, as sleep and mental health are deeply intertwined (poor sleep can negatively affect your mental wellbeing)
- Stay active and get outside whenever you can, as movement and nature are good for your mental health
- Practice mindfulness practices, meditation, breathwork, or other strategies to keep you grounded and present
- Maintain a healthy diet and fuel your body with nutrients that promote energy, immunity, and brain health
The above prevention methods can be practiced by anyone looking to prevent mental illness, whether you’re in a good mental health state or in a high-risk category for developing mental illness. If you or your loved one are more vulnerable to mental health conditions, though, you might also consider attending therapy or counseling. Doing this regularly can help you maintain a healthy state of mind, but also talk through any experiences that might be putting you more at risk. For example, if you struggled with trauma in your younger years or have been victim to discrimination, a therapist can help you overcome any difficult thoughts or behaviors attributed to those experiences—often before they get worse.
How to prevent mental illness from getting worse
While most prevention efforts are focused on stopping mental illness before it starts, it is equally important to prevent mental illness from getting worse and disrupting the lives of those affected by it.
If you or a loved one is currently experiencing a mental health condition and looking to prevent it from developing further, it’s important to:
- Practice self-care and healthy habits. This means carving out time for yourself to exercise, prepare nutritious meals, and carry out activities that you enjoy. This also means getting enough sleep and taking time to relax, so that your body and brain can recharge.
- Stay connected with others. A support system is crucial in the recovery of mental health disorders, as it can offer you a listening ear, shoulder to lean on, and outlet to talk out any stress or issues bothering you.
- Develop healthy coping skills. Find ways to actively manage and channel your stressors and triggers, whether that be meditating, gratitude journaling, or attending a support group.
- Get professional help. Mental illness is complex, but it can be treated and managed with professional care. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you reduce symptoms, change negative thoughts and behaviors, and get on the path towards recovery.
Of course, the level of support and treatment you need will depend on your mental health condition, the severity of your symptoms, and your unique needs and circumstances. A mental health treatment provider can work with you to develop a treatment plan that will work for you, taking all of your emotional, physical, and mental health needs into consideration.
Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider supporting teenagers and young adults struggling with mental illness. If you or your loved one is facing issues like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or other psychiatric disorders, we can help you. Call 877-581-1793 to learn more.