Promoting Mental Health Improvement

Module 2Exploring mental health

Exploring mental health

Learning aims

To explore: values and attitudes – further thoughts benefits of positive mental health risk factors to mental health protective factors investing in mental health.

1.

Promoting mental health improvement

Addressing stigma associated with mental health issues

Valuing and meeting psychological needs Raising awareness of risks and protective

factors

2.

The importance of mental health improvement

Mental health problems account for one third of morbidity and disability in Scotland

Wider cost to Scotland £8 billion

Prevention and recovery is possible

Positive wellbeing is a protective factor

Improving mental health brings benefits to all

3.

Audit Scotland. (2009). Overview of Mental Health Services. Edinburgh.

Benefits of positive mental health

Healthier lifestyles Better physical health Improved recovery from illness Fewer limitations in daily living Higher educational attainment Greater productivity, employment and earnings Better relationships More social cohesion Better quality of life

4.Friedli. (2009). Mental Health, resilience and inequalities. WHO, Cophenhagen.

Mental health and psychological wellbeing

Self-acceptance Positive relationships Environmental mastery Autonomy Purpose in life Personal growth

(Ryff, 1989; Ryff and Keyes, 1996.)

5.

Risk factors to mental health

Poverty and deprivation Financial insecurity Emotional problems Relationship problems Poor social networks and support Unmet psychological needs History of mental health problems

6.

Poverty and deprivation – impact on mental health

7.

Impact of economic downturn

Financial stress trebles risk of anxiety and depression

Rates of depression have increased since start of economic crisis

Rise in unemployment leads to poorer quality of life

Social cohesion reduced as services withdrawn

8.

Protective factors – individual

Feeling safe Self-determination Financial security Resilience and problem-solving skills Feeling in control

9.

Protective factors – individual 2

Confiding relationships Access to social networks Meaningful activity and roles Creativity Spirituality

10.

Protective factors – community

Social capital: networks, supports and resources Stable and supportive environment Participation and influence: local democracy Cultural life Tolerance and trust

11.

Protective factors – community 2

Opportunities for lifelong learning Amenities and services Hopefulness Opportunity for arts and creative activities Access to faith groups

12.

Protective factors – workplace and/or education

Feeling safe, not bullied or harassed Effort/reward balance Ability to make decisions Opportunities for development and learning

13.

Protective factors – workplace and/or education 2

Job/task control Reasonable adjustments Social support – vertical and horizontal Respect for diversity

14.

Protective factors – wider society

Socio-economic conditions: income, financial security

Economic stability  Participation and influence Absence of marked social and economic

inequalities

15.

Protective factors – wider society 2

16.

Tolerance and trust  Absence of discrimination Tolerance and respect for diversity

National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-Being: Addressing Mental Health Inequalities in Scotland – equal minds. (2005).

Protective activities Learning Healthy living

• Diet • Physical activity

Meaningful activity• Volunteering• Creativity• Work• Social groups

17.

Investing in mental health

Supporting parents Supporting lifelong learning Improving working lives Supporting positive mental health Supporting communities

Friedli and Parsonage. (2007). Mental health promotion: building an economic case.

18.