Mental health disorders are on the rise in the US. Over 1 in 5 adults in America live with a mental condition. Women are at risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and specific phobias that interfere with their daily lives. Conversely, men are at risk of alcohol abuse, specific phobias, and depression.
Genetics, stress, and trauma contribute to mental health problems. But they aren’t the only culprits. There are several unexpected factors that can affect our mental well-being significantly. We’ll discuss some of them in this article.
#1 Poor Gut Health
Your gut health has a direct impact on your brain chemistry as well as mood—did you know that? An imbalance of bacteria in the gut microbiome can increase your risk of depression as well as anxiety.
An article published in Harvard Health Publishing has disclosed that the gastrointestinal system and the brain are interrelated. Thus, intestinal distress can cause stress, depression, and anxiety.
Another study published by NIH has revealed that gastrointestinal problems can increase the risk of depression in 7% of people and anxiety problems in 8.8%.
Changes and imbalances in the gut microbiome are also linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, autism, dementia, and schizophrenia.
A professor of medicine and psychiatry at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Glenn Treisman, states that gut microbes produce chemicals that affect the brain. These chemicals are carried to the brain through blood or nerves connecting to the brain. Conversely, your brain can also alter the microbes in your gut.
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#2 Heavy Metals
When it comes to heavy metals, the brain is most affected by them. You’re at a high risk of developing mental health issues if you’re exposed to heavy metals.
Heavy metals are toxic at all levels. They can induce severe oxidative stress, interfere with neurotransmitter release, destroy neurons, and eventually damage the central nervous system. Research links exposure to heavy metals, such as lead or cadmium, with mental illnesses, including bipolarity, cognitive dysfunction, anxieties, and depression.
Asbestos is another substance that can have a negative effect on the mental health of individuals. Whether the exposure is direct or secondary, asbestos can trigger a range of emotional and psychological responses. Those exposed to asbestos might experience heightened fear, anxiety, and stress.
Some occupations at risk of asbestos exposure include construction workers, shipyard workers, boiler makers, plumbers and pipefitters, and textile workers. Others, however, are exposed to it by inhaling airborne fibers, often during the demolition or renovation of the building.
There has been an ongoing asbestos lawsuit. People who have been exposed to asbestos and suffered mental health issues are filing asbestos lawsuits. These suits are being filed against the manufacturers of asbestos products as well as employers who failed to provide adequate protection from asbestos to their employees.
The exact asbestos lawsuit settlement amount is hard to determine. But lawyers estimate that it could range between $250,000 and $1.5 million. Factors such as the severity of the illness and the number of defendants involved influence the settlement amount.
#3 Social Media Overload
The birth of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook ushered in a world of digital addiction. While these platforms help people stay connected with their loved ones, they can affect their mental health.
Using social media is strongly correlated with the development of psychological problems like anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and a sense of mental deprivation. Most literature cited forecasts the chance of social media-induced mental health issues is related to the frequency of usage and amount of time people spend on these sites.
Endless scrolling through idealized images and curated lifestyles can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy.
Overuse of social media platforms can lead to excessive screen time. This can disrupt sleep patterns and reduce time spent on face-to-face interactions, physical activities, and other fulfilling activities. The phenomenon of “doomscrolling”—endlessly consuming negative news—can further exacerbate feelings of helplessness and anxiety.
To sum things up, a myriad of factors influence your mental health beyond the usual suspects. Be it poor gut health, exposure to heavy metals, or social media overload, each of these unexpected culprits can significantly impact your well-being. However, there are several measures you can take to improve it.
Try maintaining a healthy gut by eating a balanced diet rich in fiber and probiotics. To limit your exposure to heavy metals, switch to organic foods and use air purifiers. Establishing boundaries and limiting social media use to no more than two hours a day can reduce feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. All these measures will foster a healthier mind and enhance your overall quality of life.
If you are a student of Law, consider specializing in environmental law to protect people and planet.
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