The onset and course of mental illness can be viewed in terms of stress-vulnerability. A variety of biological factors, personal history factors and environmental stress can influence a person's vulnerability to mental illness. Together, these can be viewed as risk factors. Mental illness appears as the result from an intersection of high stress and high vulnerability. Similarly, many of these risk factors, if not present, can be seen as protective factors and can interact to protect against mental illness.

Factors which increase vulnerability to mental illness:

• Biological Factors
  • Family history
  • A family history of mental illness and certain personality disorders are associated with an increased risk of vulnerability to mental illness
  • Brain abnormalities (e.g., development of the brain, birth complications, learning difficulties)
  • Neuro-developmental problems
• Personal Attributes
  • Development of poor social skills
  • Development of poor coping skills
  • Communication problems
• Environmental-Social Stress
  • Substance abuse
  • Work/school problems
  • Rejection by others
  • Stressful relationships
  • Low social supports
  • Major life events

Factors that protect individuals from developing mental illness:

• Good coping skills
• Good social supports
• Medication compliance

Other factors to consider:

• None of the risk factors are the whole cause of mental illness
• When there is a number of risk factors in one person then that person is more vulnerable to mental illness
• These risk factors are particularly interesting in relation to recovery and the prevention of relapse-individuals and families can actively work to increase the protective factors and reduce the risk factors when a history of mental illness exists
• When someone has all possible risk factors there is still only a 40 percent chance that they will develop mental illness

Thought to ponder:

There are certain things that are fundamental to human fulfillment. The essence of these needs is captured in the phrase "to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy". The need to live is our physical need for such things as food, clothing, shelter, economical well-being, health. The need to love is our social need to relate to other people, to belong, to love and to be loved. The need to learn is our mental need to develop and to grow. And the need to leave a legacy is our spiritual need to have a sense of meaning, purpose, personal congruence, and contribution. ~Stephen R Covey, Author

Source: Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia