Society has created mental illness.

A mental illness is defined as a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, Thinks, Behaves and interacts with others in the community and is usually diagnosed by a health professional. Although the symptoms can range from mild to severe and are different depending on the type of mental illness, A person left untreated is often unable to cope with life's daily routines and demands. These illnesses can generate severe suffering for not only the people experiencing them, But also their family and friends. Some examples include: anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Society is defined as the people of Australia and includes the people of all different ages, Genders, Race and religion and particularly those who use international social media platforms. This debate will focus on the idea that society has not created mental health issues in Australia, For people of any age or gender but rather by a wide variation of genetic, Psychological and environmental factors that can each influence an individual in different ways. To begin with, Scientists have discovered that many psychiatric disorders typically run in families which suggests potential genetic roots; they are heritable, Meaning people don"t inherit mental illness but instead inherit genes that make them susceptible to mental illness. It has been well established over time that the risk of mental illness runs in families and that genes play a major role in the wiring of an individual"s brain. This affects the ways in which it reacts to environmental inputs like drugs, Injury or disease. According to the World Health Organization, Mental illness is not a result of just one basic genetic defect but rather the interaction of multiple genes. In fact, A study in 2013 funded by the American National Institute of Mental Health revealed that a variation in genes that helps regulate calcium into neurons was significantly linked to the development of bipolar, Schizophrenia and major depression. This variation is specifically known to disrupt emotions, Thinking, Attention and memory. These are functions that, If unsettled, Can lead to mental illness. Additionally, The analysers found illness-linked variations in regions of chromosomes that are connected to the predisposition to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This sort of analysis can certainly help doctors in making more accurate diagnoses in the future, And researchers being able to come closer to the roots of particular symptoms. It"s clear that society does not cause hereditary mental illness. Furthermore, Environmental stressors can greatly contribute to the development of mental illnesses. These can include but are not limited to: a dysfunctional family life, The death of a loved one, Financial issues, Changing jobs or schools, Substance abuse or a relationship breakdown. Stressors such as these can provoke extreme psychological and psychosocial problems which in turn can interact with genetic vulnerability. This then can cause a negative alteration to an individual"s mental health state. Ronald Kessler, A professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School says that "feelings of pure loss might lead to depressive disorders, While feelings of pure dangers might lead to anxiety disorders. " Other environmental factors such as alcohol or drug dependence can make substance abusers more prone to having a mental health issues too. The vicious cycle may increase the risk of depression and anxiety in some people and is also a major cause of violence and suicidal behaviour according to "Health Direct". Extreme adversity and hardship in one"s environment or lifestyle can be a contributing factor of mental illness. There is also the idea that psychological trauma from one"s childhood substantially promotes long-term consequences for mental health in adulthood. Adversity in childhood can include experiences such as emotional, Physical and sexual abuse, Significant neglect and the sudden loss of a parent or guardian. It has been shown that exposure to stressful events in childhood can increase the impact of stressful events throughout later life. The 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey suggested that mental health and socioeconomic status can partly explain the association between childhood trauma and the stronger effect of chronic mental illness in adulthood. Social norms and body image expectations are definitely impacting the lives of people using social media in 2018, In particular teenagers and young adults. With the Australian society"s rapidly growing and popular forms of social media these days, Some may say that these online communication sources are causing many of today"s mental illnesses. It"s fair to say that it is almost impossible to scroll through Instagram without finding at least one picture of a model with an unrealistically achievable body type and physique. However, Isn"t it obvious that seeing just one photo of a pretty model does not immediately make somebody bulimic or depressed? In most cases, A chain of events contributes to somebody acquiring a mental illness. In the day and age we live in, Our society is becoming increasingly more accepting and understanding of the range of body types that exist. Although brands such as Victoria"s Secret still portray the "perfect body type" as tall and alarmingly thin, Popular companies like Target campaign for a realistic range of body figures and advertise for women who are petite to plus sized. Additionally, Body image doesn"t only affect girls. Body image can also affect males" self esteems and their ideas of self worth. But again, A multitude of contributing factors help in someone forming a serious mental health problem. In 2018, There is such a broad variety of support networks and facilities that focus on helping people with body image and provide the necessary counselling and guidance to overcome mental issues such as anorexia and bulimia. Mental illnesses clearly produce some of the most difficult and challenging health problems faced by society and is accountable for a vast numbers of hospitalisation, Disabilities and the elevated risk of suicide. It has been thoroughly proven by scientists that genetic, Psychological and environmental factors help in somebody having a mental illness. Even though it is plain to see that social media certainly contributes to mental illnesses like depression and anorexia, Society is not the only thing causing them.