Mental illness is a significant global health issue, affecting roughly one in four people at some point in their lives (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). These conditions are complex, often arising from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While heredity plays a role, it does not fully explain the development of mental health disorders. Environmental influences, both physical and social, can be just as significant.
The term “environment” in mental health includes a wide array of influences—everything not genetically inherited. These can be physical, such as exposure to pollution or poor nutrition, or psychosocial, including trauma, stress, or social isolation (Kessler, 2014). According to Susser (as cited in Maxmen, 2013), mental disorders are difficult to diagnose because they manifest in behavior and thought patterns rather than physical markers, complicating efforts to pinpoint a single cause.
Physical Environmental Factors
Certain physical environmental factors can impact neurochemistry and overall brain function. Poor nutrition, for instance, can impair both physical and mental well-being. If a person consumes mainly processed foods and lacks access to healthy options, their resilience to stress may be compromised. Other risk factors include sleep deprivation, substance abuse, smoking, and exposure to environmental toxins, especially during childhood (Maxmen, 2013). These elements can increase the likelihood of developing disorders, especially in individuals already genetically predisposed.
Social Environmental Factors
Social environmental conditions also play a major role. These include experiences of abuse, poverty, lack of social support, and chronic stress. For example, someone going through a divorce or job loss is more likely to maintain emotional balance if they have a strong support network. Conversely, isolation or social stigma—such as related to sexual orientation—can contribute to emotional decline (Kessler, 2014). Childhood adversity, including early loss of a parent or exposure to family discord, is also linked to later mental illness.
The interaction between these environmental stressors and a person’s biological vulnerabilities can create a feedback loop, exacerbating symptoms and leading to a cycle of poor mental health. For instance, mental illness may result in unemployment, which leads to poverty and poor nutrition, further harming mental health.
Treatment and Support
Fortunately, addressing one aspect of this cycle often helps improve the others. Seeking therapy or counseling can assist individuals in coping with both environmental and emotional challenges. Mental health professionals can guide individuals through understanding their illness and developing strategies for change. Support networks, whether through friends, family, or peer groups, are also crucial for recovery and maintaining well-being.
In conclusion, while mental illness may have a genetic component, environmental influences—physical and social—play a substantial role in its development and progression. Effective diagnosis and treatment must consider this multifaceted interaction to truly support mental wellness.
New Dimensions Can Help
New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers provides Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs for adults and adolescents experiencing problems with mental health and substance abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, alcoholism, or substance abuse, there is hope. New Dimensions can help you develop the coping skills you need to face life’s challenges and overcome those problems. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you develop the skills you need to thrive. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, you can contact us at 800-685-9796 or visit www.nddtreatment.com.
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.
References
Kessler, R. (2014). Mental health and the environment: Understanding psychosocial stressors. Harvard Medical School.
Maxmen, A. (2013). Environmental impact on the brain: The missing link in mental illness. Nature, 493(7432), 292–295.
World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response