1.4 Describe key risk factors in developing mental ill-health

This guide will help you answer 1.4 Describe key risk factors in developing mental ill-health.

People can experience mental ill-health for many different reasons. Certain risk factors make it more likely that someone will face these challenges. It helps to know what the risk factors are, how they affect different people, and how to spot them. This knowledge supports early help and better care.

Some risk factors are part of a person’s biology or upbringing. Others relate to their life circumstances or environment. These can overlap and work together. No one risk factor means a person will definitely develop mental ill-health. Many people experience risk factors without developing a mental health condition. Still, understanding these influences helps to support people effectively.

Genetic and Biological Risk Factors

Genes are the instructions inside cells that shape how the body works. They can be passed from parents to children. Some kinds of mental ill-health, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, run in families. This suggests a link with genes. Still, environment and life experiences play a role too.

Changes in body chemistry also have an effect. Chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, help control mood, thoughts and behaviour. Problems with these chemicals can affect mental health. Some physical illnesses, such as thyroid problems or certain neurological conditions, can trigger symptoms of mental ill-health.

Main biological risk factors include:

• Family history of mental ill-health
• Changes in brain structure
• Chemical imbalances in the brain
• Chronic (long-term) health conditions
• Problems during pregnancy or birth, such as lack of oxygen to the baby

Biological risk factors can make someone more susceptible. But they do not mean someone will definitely develop a mental health problem. Other factors often come into play.

Early Life Experiences

A person’s childhood and early years are very important for mental health. Harmful early experiences can increase the risk of mental ill-health later.

Common early life risk factors include:

• Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Neglect (when a parent or carer does not meet a child’s basic needs)
• Losing a parent, through death or separation
• Trauma, such as witnessing violence or accidents
• Growing up with a parent who has mental ill-health, misuse of drugs or alcohol, or is in prison
• Bullying at school or in the community

These experiences can shape thoughts, feelings, and ways of coping. Some people develop low self-esteem or find it hard to trust others. Damage caused by traumatic events early in life can continue to affect a person for years.

Social and Economic Factors

A person’s situation in society can increase the risk of mental ill-health. When people are cut off from opportunities, resources or support, they are at higher risk.

Factors include:

• Poverty
• Long-term unemployment
• Low educational achievement
• Living in poor or overcrowded housing
• Being part of a marginalised group (such as being a minority, refugee, or facing discrimination)

Poverty can mean people are unable to pay for healthy food, good housing, heating or transport. Financial stress causes constant worry and can trigger anxiety or depression.

Unemployment brings money worries and can lead to feelings of worthlessness or isolation. Certain groups, like migrants or people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, may face racism or social exclusion. This unfair treatment can have a big impact on mental health.

People with fewer resources may find it hard to access support when problems arise. Over time, social and economic pressures can build up and affect how a person feels and copes.

Lifestyle Choices and Behaviour

Certain behaviours can raise the risk of mental ill-health. These choices can reflect other underlying problems the person faces.

Risk factors may include:

• Drug and alcohol misuse
• Lack of exercise
• Poor or irregular sleep patterns
• Poor diet
• High levels of screen time or social media use

Drinking too much alcohol or using drugs can cause depression or anxiety, or make existing problems worse. Some drugs have a long-term effect on brain chemicals, which can cause lasting changes in mood.

A lack of exercise and unhealthy meals can lead to low energy and poor physical health. There is a strong link between physical health and mental wellbeing.

Poor sleep makes it hard to cope with stress, remember things or make decisions. Prolonged use of phones or computers, especially before bed, can disturb sleep and affect mood.

It is important to remember that these lifestyle factors may also be a result of mental ill-health, not just a cause.

Life Events and Stressful Experiences

Major life events can trigger mental health difficulties. Sometimes, several stressful events happen together and overwhelm a person’s ability to cope.

Examples of stressful life events include:

• Relationship breakdowns or divorce
• Losing a loved one (bereavement)
• Losing a job or changing jobs suddenly
• Financial problems or debt
• Experiencing violence or assault
• Natural disasters or accidents
• Moving home, especially due to eviction or family conflict

Stressful events can shake a person’s confidence and upset their usual routines. Not everyone responds the same way. What matters is how the person feels, and whether they have enough support.

People with a strong support network often recover better after difficult experiences. Those who feel alone or unsupported are more at risk of developing longer-lasting problems.

Psychosocial Factors

“Psychosocial” describes the link between personal, social and psychological factors. These can include how someone feels about themselves and their ability to form relationships.

Key psychosocial risk factors:

• Low self-esteem (a low sense of self-worth or value)
• Ongoing feelings of loneliness or isolation
• Difficulty making or keeping friends
• Lack of confidence
• Feeling different or excluded

These factors can grow from past hurt or bullying, family experiences, or the way someone is treated by others. Over time, they can undermine a person’s ability to manage stress and lead to anxiety or depression.

Belonging to a supportive community, whether it is friends, family, workplace, or faith group, acts as a buffer. Those who feel alone are at greater risk.

Discrimination, Stigma and Social Exclusion

Unfair treatment can seriously affect mental wellbeing. Discrimination means being treated worse than others because of who you are. This may be because of:

• Disability or mental health diagnosis
• Race or ethnicity
• Gender
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Age

Facing prejudice or stigma can lower self-esteem, increase stress, and stop people seeking help. This makes problems more severe or long-lasting.

Social exclusion means being left out from activities, groups or services. It leaves people without support or purpose, which increases the risk of developing mental ill-health. People who have been in prison, are homeless or are refugees often face these barriers.

Widespread negative attitudes towards mental ill-health (stigma) can also stop people talking about their problems or finding help early.

Physical Health Difficulties

Physical and mental health are closely linked. If someone has a long-term health condition, they are more likely to experience mental health difficulties too.

Common examples include:

• Chronic pain
• Cancer and long-term medical treatments
• Diabetes
• Heart conditions
• Neurological conditions (such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
• Conditions affecting hormone balance, such as thyroid disorders

Living with physical illness brings stress, pain and uncertainty. It can change how people see themselves and limit their ability to work or take part in daily life. Concern about the future or changes in lifestyle can lead to feelings of loss or sadness.

Medication for physical illness can sometimes affect mood or cause side effects that add to mental distress.

Brain Injury or Neurological Damage

Injury to the brain can cause changes in mood, behaviour, and thinking. This can include:

• Head injuries from accidents or falls
• Brain infections (such as meningitis)
• Conditions that reduce blood flow to the brain (stroke or mini-stroke)

Sometimes the changes are temporary. Other times, they are long term. Brain damage might make it harder to manage emotions or respond to stress.

People who have experienced brain injury may need extra help to adapt and may feel frustrated or worried about their new limitations.

Environmental Factors and Community Safety

The surroundings where a person lives strongly affect mental health. Key risk factors:

• Exposure to crime, violence, or abuse in the community
• Unsafe or run-down neighbourhoods
• Poor access to green spaces and recreational areas
• Lack of safe or affordable housing

Living in a place where people do not feel safe or are surrounded by antisocial behaviour increases day-to-day stress. Over time, this sense of insecurity adds to anxiety or low mood.

A clean, safe, and welcoming environment helps people feel more settled and part of the community, lowering risk.

Work, Education and Occupational Factors

Problems in work or education can put pressure on mental health.

Examples include:

• High workload or unrealistic expectations
• Lack of job security
• Poor working conditions
• Bullying or harassment at work or school
• Not having enough support for special educational needs
• Frequent exam stress or pressure to do well

People spend a lot of time at work or in education. When this environment is stressful or unfair, it has a major impact. Repeated stress can lead to burnout, depression or anxiety.

Workplaces and schools that offer support, flexibility and respect for people’s differences help lower these risks.

Relationships and Family Life

Healthy relationships boost mental wellbeing. Harmful or difficult relationships add risk. These may involve:

• Domestic violence or controlling behaviour
• Frequent conflict at home
• Being a single parent without support
• Caring for someone with a disability, illness or depression

Arguments, unfair treatment or emotional abuse erode self-confidence and personal safety. People may feel trapped, helpless, or afraid. Over time, these experiences can lead to depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.

Cultural and Religious Factors

Cultural background and faith can affect risk in different ways. Supportive communities and shared values can protect people. But there are risk factors too:

• Clash between cultural expectations and personal wishes
• Reluctance to talk about mental health problems
• Shame or secrecy around seeking help
• Pressure to conform to community rules or arranged marriage
• Racism within communities or religious groups

Cultural barriers can stop open conversation about mental health, making it harder to get support early.

Combination of Risk Factors

Often, several risk factors work together. For example, someone with a difficult early life may later face unemployment or poor health. The more risk factors present, the higher the chance of developing mental ill-health.

Protective factors, like strong social support, access to services, and good coping skills, lower the risks. Spotting risk factors early and offering support can make a real difference.

Final Thoughts

Risk factors for developing mental ill-health are varied and complex. They can include genetics, early experiences, environment, poverty, trauma, discrimination, poor physical health, and stress from life events, work or relationships. Lifestyle choices and cultural background may play a role too.

Every person’s experience is unique. Some people develop mental health problems despite few risks, while others stay well with many challenges. Workers in mental health and social care can make a difference by understanding risk factors and responding with empathy and support. Early recognition of risks increases the chance of recovery and a better quality of life.