Mental HealthHealth Day A / B

Definition• Definition• A state of well-being in which the individual

realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community

Key Terms• Normality – The psychological characteristics

attributed to the majority of people in population at a given time.

• What are “normal” characteristics of people in todays society

• What is not considered “normal”

Key Terms• Self – Concept – The ideas, feelings, and

perceptions one has about oneself- Also referred to self – image

• Self – Esteem – Satisfaction and confidence in oneself; valuing of self

• Autonomy – Independence; the sense of being self-directed

Behavior Terms• Other Directed – Guided in behavior by the values

and expectations of others.

• Is this good or bad?

• Should others guide your behavior?

Behavior Terms• Inner Directed – Guided in behavior by an inner

set of rules and values.

• Is this a good or bad?

• Should your behaviors be directed by your inner thoughts and feelings?

Defense Mechanisms• Definition

• A mental mechanism for coping with conflict or anxiety.

Defense Mechanisms• Examples

-Refer to chart

- Do any of you have these tendencies?

Dealing with Anger• Is it healthy to be angry?

• Yes, how you deal with anger and express it are key.

If You Feel Angry…..1.) Reframe you thought, try and gain a better understanding of the situation

• What are some example situations?

2.) Distract yourself• Count to 10• Take a deep breath• Walk away for a few seconds

Anxiety Disorders• Anxiety – A feeling of fear that is not directed

toward any definite threat

- What can cause anxiety?

Anxiety Disorders• Specific phobia – A persistent and excessive fear

of a specific object, activity, or situation

• Social Phobia – An excessive fear of performing in public

• Panic Disorder – A syndrome of severe anxiety attacks accompanied by physical symptoms

Anxiety Disorders• Generalized Anxiety Disorder – An anxiety disorder

characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about all kinds of things and anxiety in many situations.

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – An anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts and performing of senseless rituals.

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – An anxiety disorder characterized by reliving traumatic events thoughts dreams, flashbacks, and hallucinations.

Treating Anxiety Disorders

• Psychological Interventions- Seeking profession help- Therapy Sessions

• Medications- Prescribed medications

Mood Disorders• Occur when emotional disturbances become so

intense and persistent that they effect the normal functioning of a person

• What does that mean?

Mood Disorders• Depression – A Mood disorder characterized by

loss of interest, sadness, hopelessness, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, and other physical symptoms

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – A mood disorder characterized by seasonal depression, usually occurring in winter when there is less daylight.

Mood Disorders• Mania – A mood disorder characterized by

excessive elation, irritability, talkativeness, inflated self-esteem, and expansiveness.

• Bipolar Disorder – A mental illness characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania

Getting Help• Self – Help

- What cane you do to help yourself- Be aware of your current mental health

status- Keep a journal- Do some research

• Peer Counseling / Support Groups• Professional Help

- Do not hesitate