What Raises Your Child’s Risk of

Factors that can increase a child's likelihood of developing a mental illness include:

- Genetics: Mental illnesses can run in families, so if a parent or other close relative has a mental illness, a child may be at higher risk.

- Brain injuries: A head injury can damage the brain and increase the risk of mental illness.

- Prenatal exposure to toxins: Exposure to certain toxins, such as alcohol and drugs, during pregnancy can increase the risk of mental illness in a child.

- Childhood trauma: Experiencing traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, or violence, can increase the risk of mental illness.

- Chronic stress: Living in a stressful environment, such as poverty or family conflict, can increase the risk of mental illness.

- Substance abuse: Using drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of developing a mental illness.

- Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and certain autoimmune diseases, can increase the risk of mental illness.

It is important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that a child will develop a mental illness. These are just some of the factors that can contribute to the development of mental illness.