8th Grade HealthChapter 4

Mental and Emotional Issues

Disorder A disturbance in the normal function of a part

of the body Anxiety disorder

A disorder in which intense anxiety or fear keeps a person from functioning normally

Phobia An exaggerated fear of a specific situation or

object

Disorder Terms

Anxiety Disorders

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Disorder Symptoms

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbances

Panic Disorder Pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, nausea, fear of losing control

Phobia An intense or exaggerated fear of a specific situation or object

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

A need to perform behaviors over and over again, such as handwashing, counting, hoarding, or arranging possessions

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Withdrawal or depression after a distressing experience such as sexual abuse, natural disaster, accident, or witnessing violence

Schizophrenia Acrophobia Agoraphobia Astraphobia Claustrophobia Ecophobia Hydrophobia Kenophobia Noctiphobia Phasmophobia Socialphobia Tachophobia Zoophobia

Disorder Terms Cont.

Disorders

Schizophrenia A severe mental disorder in which people lose contact with reality

Some studies suggest that as many as 20 percent of teens suffer from major depression.

Teens who are depressed may turn to alcohol or other drugs.

Left untreated, depression can become worse. If you know someone who is depressed, encourage

that person to talk to a parent or other trusted adult.

Depression Among Teens

Depression Among Teens

Warning Signs of DepressionIrritability, anger, or anxiety

Lack of energy, feeling tired all the time

Significant change in sleep patterns

Inability to concentrate

Putting blame on other people for their problems

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Indifference to things that used to bring pleasure

Pessimism

Physical problems that can’t be explained

Thoughts of death or suicide

Kinds of Mental and Emotional Disorders

MYTHMental and emotional problems are not true illnesses.

MYTHPeople with mental and emotional problems can just “shake if off.”

Two sources of help for depression are: SPAN USA (Suicide Prevention Action Network) National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center

Dealing with Depression

Both of these organizations have Web sites and telephone hot lines.

1. Evaluate the following: Carl had worked hard on his entry for the school science fair. He was sad when he did not win an award for his project. Do you think Carl was experiencing major depression? Explain your answer.

Assignment 1

Suicide The intentional taking of one’s own life It is important to recognize the warning signs

of suicide and seek help if you or someone you know is suffering from severe depression.

Suicide

Causes of Teen Suicide

Causes of Depression that can Lead to Suicide

A family breakup

A death in the family

Alcoholism or other drug dependencies within the family

Witnessing domestic violence or being a victim of physical or sexual abuse

Inability to handle pressure of at school or at home

Unsupportive family

Feelings of being disconnected from or rejected by peers

Warning Signs of Suicide

Warning Signs of Suicide

Sharing suicide plans openly.

Dropping hints through words and actions.

A sudden fascination with the topic of death.

Dramatic changes in the person’s appearance.

Self-destructive behavior.

Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities.

A sudden change in mood.

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Providing Support

Ways of Providing Support

Talk to the person.

Show an interest in the person’s problem.

Do not be afraid to ask whether the individual is planning to harm him or her self.

Urge the person to share his or her feelings and thoughts with a trusted adult.

Never promise to keep suicide plans a secret.

Dealing with Depression

Suicide is never the answer.

Feelings of depression do not go

on forever.

You are not alone.

1. Evaluate the actions or behaviors that suggest that a teen might be thinking about suicide and give two examples.

2. Evaluate the following: Larry’s friend Pete has been very down since his father’s death. Lately, Pete seems to be better. However, he has offered Larry his skateboard and his best jacket. Should Larry be concerned about his friend?

Assignment 2

If you feel that you need help, talk to a parent or guardian, the school nurse, a counselor at school, or other trusted adult.

The person you speak to may be able to help you or point you toward someone who can, such as a mental health professional.

What to Do If You Need Help

You Might Need Help If

You Might Need Help If…you have been feeling sad or angry for two weeks or longer.

you want to spend all your time alone.

your feelings affect your sleep, eating habits, schoolwork, or relationships with family and peers.

you feel “out of control,” or feel worried or nervous all the time.

Therapy An approach that teaches you different ways of

thinking or behaving For many emotional problems, professional

counseling, or therapy, is often needed. Therapy setting include:

Individual therapy Group therapy Family therapy

Deals with family relations

Kinds of Help

Many medicines used to treat emotional disorders work to restore chemical imbalances in the brain.

These medicines can provide relief for depression and other mental disorders.

Drug therapy medicines are not right for everyone. Drug therapy medicines do not treat every mental

and emotional problem. Drug therapy medicines are not meant as a

replacement for therapy.

Drug Treatment Therapy

1. Hypothesis about what Ernesto should do: Ernesto has been feeling sad every day for the last two weeks and he doesn’t know why. What should he do?

Assignment 3