One of the most frequently asked questions—both inside and outside the psychological clinic—is: “Where does mental illness come from?” This question arises from the recognition that physical illnesses usually have clear and identifiable medical causes, whether due to immune deficiency, physiological dysfunction, viral infection, or others. However, the causes and roots behind the emergence of mental illnesses remain vague, unclear, or undefined for most people. Of course, discussing all causes of mental disorders, with their diversity and complexity, is difficult to enumerate or detail in a single article. Therefore, this article will focus on the primary foundational roots that represent the common factors predisposing individuals to mental disorders.

The roots of mental illness begin with genetic and biological factors, which form the underlying predisposition within each individual’s psychological structure. We observe that some individuals possess a heightened sensitivity and a higher likelihood of developing mental disorders compared to others. They carry mood and emotional traits characterized by tension, inner conflict, and emotional instability, forming fertile ground for the development of mental illness.

Another highly significant factor is methods of social upbringing, especially during early stages of life—childhood and adolescence. These methods interact with genetic factors either positively or negatively. When an overly sensitive, genetically predisposed individual is exposed to harmful upbringing styles—such as harshness, authoritarianism, constant criticism, deliberate reprimanding, neglect, lack of care, rejection, ridicule, persistent belittling, unfair comparisons with others, excessive pampering, overprotection, or excessive parental fear—these experiences shape maladaptive thinking patterns marked by flawed and unstable judgment. Such individuals develop a significantly higher likelihood of mental illness later in life. Therefore, genetic predisposition and early upbringing together form what we call “predisposing factors” for mental illness.

Then comes what we refer to as “triggering factors,” meaning life crises or stressful and traumatic events that lead to the actual onset of a mental disorder. However, it is important to clarify that the triggering factor is not the primary cause of mental illness, contrary to popular belief. Many people attribute mental illness to a specific traumatic incident or stressful situation. Yet these events merely activate a pre-existing predisposition rooted within the individual from the start. Thus, the decisive and most significant factor is the predisposing factor—whether genetic or due to faulty upbringing.

Since genetic factors lie outside an individual’s control, it becomes essential to focus on positive, balanced, and healthy upbringing from early childhood. This is where the greatest responsibility falls upon caregivers. These methods can either reinforce and intensify the impact of unstable genetic predispositions—causing the individual to break down under the slightest pressure—or help reduce and regulate these effects, preventing the emergence of psychological hypersensitivity that leads to mental disorders. In such cases, the person develops psychological resilience and a positive capacity to cope with stressful and traumatic life events with strength and emotional vitality. Hence, caregivers must exercise caution, for upbringing plays a pivotal role in shaping traits, personality patterns, and thinking styles—forming the gateway to one's psychological predisposition.

I would also like to offer several preventive recommendations for individuals with a psychological structure predisposed to mental illness, to help protect them from future struggles during life crises:

• Set high goals in your life and move toward them step by step until you experience the satisfaction of achievement and success.

• Create a personal space for yourself where you enjoy your interests—develop your skills, talents, personal readings, and physical well-being. Protect this personal circle, for it will be your launch point toward excellence.

• Maintain your personal boundaries. Do not allow others to violate them. Use your right to say “no.” Do not place yourself in situations that diminish your self-worth, nor carry burdens beyond your capacity to please others.

• Do not accept every idea you hear as absolute truth. Most ideas reflect their speaker’s perspective and are not binding facts, so you don’t get lost in conflicting viewpoints.

• Stop overthinking others’ lives—focus instead on developing yourself and correcting your own weaknesses.

• Do not allow chaos or disorder to seep into your life. Organize your time and responsibilities to experience psychological comfort and mental clarity.

• Set regular times to evaluate yourself—review what you have accomplished and what you want to achieve next.

• Surround yourself with honest people and avoid liars and manipulators, for they drain your emotional energy.

• Keep God at the center of your intentions and actions. Act with sincerity, and do not be distracted by people’s opinions or judgments.

• No matter the circumstances, hold firmly to your goals and aspirations. Let optimism be the sun that never sets in your life. Know that what pleases God most is your good expectations of Him—in all times and situations—for His wisdom governs all of life’s affairs.