I definitely don't think that society helps mental illness, but I don't know about "causing" it. Mental illness is EXTREMELY complicated and multi-dimensional.

Genetics, early childhood experiences (parenting techniques, trauma), life experiences, learned coping techniques, lifestyle factors, stressful situations, society.... all of these things and more can contribute to mental illness.

I think that society puts un-necessary stigmas on mental illness, and that a majority of people don't understand mental illness because they are extremely uneducated on the topic. I think this makes it hard for certain people to seek help as they may feel judged. I know that personally, my Mother is one of those stigma people... so I feared seeking help for years due to the fact that I knew she wouldn't understand and would judge me.

I actually feel like society is becoming more educated about the impact and importance of mental health, compared to how it used to be. Help seems to be a lot more available.