The World Health Organization emphasizes that the determinants of mental health are not limited to individual or biological factors.
What are the determinants of mental health?
The determinants of mental health are the factors that directly or indirectly affect the psychological state of the individual, and we will list for you the most important determinants in detail below.
1. Biological factors
- Genetics.
- Chemical balance in the brain.
- General physical health such as chronic diseases or sleep disorders.
2. Psychological factors
- Ability to adapt to pressure.
- Self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Ways of thinking and dealing with feelings.
3. Social factors
- Family and social support.
- Quality of personal relationships.
- Sense of belonging and community participation.
4. Economic factors
- Income level and financial stability.
- Job and education opportunities.
- الفقر والبطالة.
5. The surrounding environment
- The place of residence is safe, clean, or stable.
- Provides health and psychological services.
- Exposure to violence, wars or disasters.
6. Values, culture and religion
- Personal and religious beliefs.
- Societal values and their role in shaping an individual’s identity.
- Stigma associated with mental disorders in some societies.
Learn about: دليلك لتحسين الصحة النفسية والرفاهية العامة
What are the determinants that threaten psychological stability?
Regarding the determinants that threaten psychological stability, they are the factors that negatively affect psychological health, and increase the possibility of developing psychological disorders or feeling imbalanced. Here are the most prominent mental health determinants that threaten your psychological stability:
- Chronic psychological stress: Such as working under pressure, academic problems, or heavy family responsibilities, which leads to anxiety, stress, and constant mental exhaustion.
- Negative or toxic relationships: Such as critical relationships, verbal or physical violence, or control, which leads to poor self-confidence and increased feelings of isolation and depression.
- Loss and trauma: Such as the death of a close person, divorce, or exposure to accidents or assaults, which leave a psychological impact if they are not dealt with in a healthy manner.
- Poverty or financial instability: Constant worry about expenses or basic needs weakens the sense of security, which may lead to depression or chronic anxiety.
- Social and societal stigma: Especially related to mental health, or some groups such as women or people with special needs, which reduces opportunities for support and increases feelings of isolation and shame.
- Poor family or social support: Not having someone to talk to, or to rely on in crises leads to feelings of loneliness and emotional emptiness.
- Addiction: Such as drugs, alcohol, or the Internet, which causes imbalances in brain chemistry and behaviors, increases psychological problems, and leads to isolation and loss of control.
- Low self-esteem: Such as constant negative thinking about oneself and feelings of inadequacy, which is one of the strongest determinants of mental health that causes anxiety and depression.
Believing that psychological treatment contributes to regulating emotions, overcoming adversity, and enhancing self-confidence, we at the Rafah Center at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital are keen to take into account the determinants of mental health in all its aspects. We are keen to provide comprehensive psychological care for those suffering from psychological disorders. We also aim to improve the quality of life through a set of therapeutic and preventive services, to overcome the negative effects of the determinants of your mental health.
Book your consultation now at Well-being center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
How do family and society affect your mental health?
Family and society have a very important impact on the psychological health of the individual, either positively, enhancing psychological stability, or negatively, causing psychological disorders, and here is how that happens in detail.
First: The impact of the family on mental health
- A supportive family provides a sense of security and belonging, which reduces stress and increases self-confidence, while neglect, cruelty, or excessive criticism lead to anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
- Education based on understanding and dialogue enhances psychological maturity, but bullying, overprotection, or neglect may weaken the ability to make decisions or adapt.
- Stable families create a calm environment that supports balanced psychological development, but on the other hand, chronic family problems cause a constant feeling of insecurity.
Second: The impact of society on mental health
- Having supportive friends, neighbors, or colleagues improves mood and reduces feelings of isolation, while neglect or social isolation causes depression and withdrawal.
- If society understands mental health and encourages seeking help, the individual will be more prepared for treatment. However, in societies that refuse to talk about psychological health, the individual may feel ashamed or weak.
- Positive values such as respect and cooperation promote psychological well-being, while societies that promote violence, discrimination, or competitiveness may cause significant psychological stress.
You can improve the influence of family and society on your psychological state through the Rafah Psychological Center at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, where we design customized treatment programs to help patients who suffer from medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or addiction. We also care about the privacy of our patients and preserve the details of their health and personal data until the end of their recovery journey.
Learn about: Psychological sessions to treat depression Is it really useful?
Tips for maintaining mental health
Because mental health is an essential part of public health and directly affects the way of thinking and dealing with others.
- Take minutes each day to practice gratitude by writing down 3 things you are grateful for;
- Organize your time and set your priorities because chaos causes stress, so use a schedule or app to manage tasks and divide your day realistically.
- Do not isolate yourself, but maintain healthy social relationships, talking to those you love and asking for support when needed.
- Exercise regularly, even walking 30 minutes a day, to release happy hormones such as endorphins. Exercise also reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality.
- Sleep well regularly because adequate and restful sleep is the basis of psychological balance. Also, stay away from screens before bed, and maintain a calm nightly routine.
- Protect yourself from negative people, and do not hesitate to set strong boundaries with those who drain your energy or cause you anxiety.
- Practice favorite activities or hobbies such as reading, drawing, or cooking;
- Do not control your feelings, but train yourself to accept feelings. Likewise, allow yourself to feel sad or angry, but deal with them consciously, not emotionally.
- Lower your ideal expectations. It's okay if everything isn't perfect;
- Talk to a specialist when necessary because visiting a psychologist does not mean that you are weak, but rather that you care about yourself and your mental health.
Frequently asked questions about the determinants of mental health
What is the most important component of mental health?
Emotional stability, social support, ability to adapt to stress, work-life balance, and self-esteem, along with a healthy lifestyle that includes good sleep and proper nutrition.
What are the basic determinants of health?
These factors include biological factors, socioeconomic factors, surrounding environment, lifestyle, access to health care, and level of education and income.
What are the determinants of mental health and life experiences?
Yes, life experiences such as trauma, loss, or going through traumatic events are determinants of mental health, as they directly affect psychological stability and ability to adapt.
What are the social determinants of health in depression?
These include social isolation, poor family support, poverty, unemployment, societal discrimination, and exposure to violence or neglect.
Do not hesitate to take the first step towards a more balanced and comfortable life, as your mental health cannot be improved except by paying attention to all the factors that affect it. At the Rafah Center affiliated with Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we believe in the importance of dealing with the determinants of mental health in its various forms, and thus we provide you with a therapeutic environment that suits your individual circumstances. Book your consultation with us now and begin the first steps of your journey towards better mental health.
المصادر:
The social determinants of mental health and disorder – pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
Social Determinants of Mental Health – psychiatry
