mental health and mental illnesses

MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL ILLNESSES

CHAPTER 5

QUIZ: ARE YOU STRESSED? (TEXTBOOK PG. 93)

• In your notebook, score each item from 1 (almost always) to 5 (never) according to how much of the time each statement applies to you:

• 1) I eat at least one hot, balanced meal a day

• 2) I get seven or eight hours of sleep at least four nights a week

• 3) I get and receive affection regularly

• 4) I have at least one relative within 50 kilometres on whom I can rely

• 5) I exercise to the point of perspiration at least 3 times per week

• 6) I have an enough money to support my lifestyle

• 7) I get strength from my religious beliefs

• 8) I regularly attend club or social activities

• 9) I have a network of friends and acquaintances

• 10) I have one or more friends to confide in about personal matters

QUIZ CONTINUED• 11) I am in good health

• 12) I am able to speak openly about my feelings when I am angry or worried

• 13) I have regular conversations with the people I like about life problems

• 14) I do something for fun at least once a week

• 15) I am able to organize my time effectively

• 16) I drink fewer than 3 cups of coffee, tea or pop a day

• 17) I take quiet time for myself during the day

QUIZ RESULTS

• To get your total, add up your score for each item and subtract 17. • 0-24: You manage stress well ()• 25-43: You are vulnerable to stress• 44-68: You are seriously vulnerable to stress• 68 and over: You are a stress machine (not good )

STRESS!!!!

• Definition: Stress is a physical and psychological response to circumstances in the environment that test out ability to cope.

• It can be a response to such varying situations as an upcoming test, a job interview, a first date, etc.

• Stress can be triggered by physical circumstances (i.e. chronic pain), catastrophic events (i.e. tornado, zombie attack), emotional trauma (i.e. a break-up), and conflicting life choices (i.e. what will I do after high school?).

General Adaptation Syndrome (Selye)

• Some stress is necessary and can feel good. This is called EUSTRESS. I.E. competing at a sporting event, falling in love.

• Some negative stresses can never be removed, but you can change your mental reactions to better cope.

• Examples of how this can be done are by planning ahead and managing your time more efficiently, seeking help and support from others, taking time by yourself to regroup and collect your thoughts.

MENTAL ILLNESSES

• Definition: a disorderly functioning of the mind resulting from psychological or biological factors.

• Some psychologists define behaviour as “abnormal” if it is characterized by one of more of the following: irrationality, personal suffering or interpersonal maladjustment, inability to function in society, behaviour that harms others.

MENTAL ILLNESSES = EVIL SPIRITS?

MENTAL ILLNESSES IN NUMBERS

• 1 in 5 Canadians suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives

• Almost 3 Million Canadians experience serious depression in their lifetime, but only one third will seek help

• 80% of suicides are carried out by people with depression.

• 79% of psychiatric diagnoses are for anxiety and depression.

CATEGORIES OF MENTAL ILLNESSES• Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anviety Disorder Phobias Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Mood Disorders: Depression Bipolar Disorder Schizophrenia Personality Disorders

• Substance-Related Disorders