Everyone has some risk for mental illness, like everyone has some risk getting a disease. Today, scientists believe that mental illness is at least partly genetic but there are strong social and environmental triggers. So the risk may be higher for one person and lower for another.

Things that increase risk of mental illness:

• Physical factors: having older parents increases the risk of Down Syndrome (old mother) and autism and schizophrenia (older father).
• Some infections like syphilis and meningitis can cause dementia, as do other diseases like pellagra (vitamin B3 deficiency) and head injuries.
• Alcoholism and substance abuse.
• Family history of psychotic illness.
• Breakdown and conflict in the family or at work.
• Emotional trauma, being a victim of violence.
• Poverty.

Things that protect from mental illness:

• Strong family ties or ties with other people in religious or social contexts.
• Parents who are functioning well in the family and at work, who are loving and supportive.
• At least one person to connect with and who is dependably around.
• Good relationship with peers and other adults outside the family.
• Personal resilience and emotional skills.
• Religious faith.
• Economic security.
• Good physical health.
• Success at school and work.

Susan Vinodh Pandian

Read more about mental illnesses:

1. About mental health on Medindia

2. Understanding mental illnesses through gene-environment interactions

3. Twenty million Indians have serious mental disorders

4.  Support groups for mental illnesses and addiction