Factors that Affect Mental Wellbeing and Mental Health Across the Life Span

Mental wellbeing and mental health can be influenced by various biological, psychological, and social factors across an individual’s lifespan.

Biological Factors:

Genetic predisposition can affect a person’s mental health. If a person has a family history of mental health issues, they might be more likely to develop one themselves.
Ill health or physical disability can lead to mental health problems such as depression or anxiety due to the impact it can have on the person’s quality of life.
Hormonal changes due to puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can also influence mental health.

Psychological Factors:

Experiencing trauma or abuse, particularly if it happened during early childhood, can significantly impact a person’s mental health, often leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
Cognitive abilities, perception, and understanding can affect an individual’s mental health. For example, one’s mental wellbeing can be negatively affected by learning difficulties or a poor understanding of social cues.

Social Factors:

Socioeconomic status can influence mental health, with people from low-income households or people experiencing poverty often having higher stress levels and a greater risk of mental health issues.
Bullying or social isolation can also negatively affect mental wellbeing, leading to conditions like social anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Pressure from societal or cultural expectations can harm mental health. This can include pressure at work or school, social media, or perceived societal norms around appearance or success.
Relationships and family stability can significantly impact mental wellbeing. Disruptive, harmful, or unstable relationships can lead to a range of mental health issues.

Understanding how these factors can affect mental health is crucial. It is just as important to recognise that many factors can be interlinked, meaning that a person’s mental wellbeing is often influenced by multiple factors simultaneously - not just one in isolation.

Remember to also consider resilience (an individual’s ability to cope with stress and adversity) and access to support networks or healthcare. These elements can significantly mitigate the impact of negative experiences on mental health.