Module 13 Mental Health

1
Module 13 Mental Health

• Mindy Menn, M.S.

2
Health

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
  Health is a state of complete physical, mental
  and social well-being and not merely the absence
  of disease or infirmity.

3
What is Mental Health?

• Mental Health refers to a broad array of
  activities directly or indirectly related to the
  mental well-being component included in the WHO's
  definition of health.
• It is related to the promotion of well-being, the
  prevention of mental disorders, and the treatment
  and rehabilitation of people affected by mental
  disorders.

4

• Mental health is defined as a state of
  well-being in which every individual realizes his
  or her own potential, can cope with the normal
  stresses of life, can work productively and
  fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution
  to her or his community.

5
Who is affected?

• Mental health is important at every stage of
  life, from childhood and adolescence through
  adulthood.
• Mental illness is common
• Milder conditions are very common
• One fifth of Americans suffer from a diagnosable
  mental disorder during any given year.
• One fifth of school-age children are also
  affected by these conditions.
• Severe and persistent mental illness afflicts
  three percent of the population.

6
Characteristics of Good Mental Health

• Positive self-image and self-esteem
• Does not consciously or unconsciously distort
  reality
• Experiences appropriate and stable moods
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in
  social situations

7

• Acknowledges personal strengths and limitations
• Tolerates ambiguity and understands that conflict
  is normal and that clear answers to some problems
  may not exist
• Maintains control of emotions

8
Emotional Health

• People who are emotionally healthy are in control
  of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

9
Tips on dealing with your emotions

• Learn to express your feelings in appropriate
  ways.
• Think before you act.
• Strive for balance in your life.
• Take care of your physical health.

10
Types of Stress

• Stress
• Distress
• Eustress

11
Sources of Stress

• Physical
• Environmental
• Psychological
• Social

12
Physical

• Strenuous exercise
• Hunger
• Pain
• Lack of sleep
• Illness
• Injury

13
Environmental

• Air pollution
• Water pollution
• Noise
• Crowding and overpopulation
• Natural disasters
• Lack of privacy
• Extreme temperatures

14
Psychological

• Boredom
• Guilt
• Marriage
• Death of a relative or close friend
• Test taking
• Academic failure
• Extreme joy
• Anticipation for an event

15
Social

• Racial and/or religious prejudice
• Sexual harassment
• Unemployment or underemployment
• Public speaking

16
Coping with Stress

• Manage your emotions
• Manage your time
• Change your perception

17
Mental Health and College Students

• According to a 2008 survey of college students
• 30 of students reported feeling so depressed
  that it was difficult to function
• 49 felt overwhelming anxiety
• 10 of students also reported being diagnosed or
  treated for depression
• 6 seriously considered suicide

18

• Please continue to Lecture 2.