Risk factors

As we have already mentioned, we don’t know the exact causes of mental illness. However, studies suggest that mental illness can be the result of a combination of factors.

Certain events, such as a break-up, the death of a loved one, financial problems, poor physical health and disabilities are risk factors for which preventive action is possible.

Other factors such as a family history of mental illness, physical, sexual and psychological abuse during childhood, prior episodes of mental illness, psychological trauma or a major accumulation of stress can also cause the development of mental health disorders.