Understanding Mental Health & Mental Illness PDF

Understanding Mental Health & Mental Illness Md. Shaheen Mollah Adjunct Faculty Department of Social Relations East West University  What is Mental Health? Mental Health is a state of well-being in which the indi...

Understanding Mental Health & Mental Illness Md. Shaheen Mollah Adjunct Faculty Department of Social Relations East West University  What is Mental Health? Mental Health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can Mental Health work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. - World Health Organization A Mentally Healthy Person Can… What isMental Illness? Mental illness is a health issue that can significantly affect how a person feels, thinks, behaves and interacts with other people. Mental illness is real and is treatable. Exercise 1. Recall at least 1 positive emotion/feeling that you experienced? 2. What was happening at that time? (Situation) 3. Recall at least 1 negative emotion/feeling that you experienced? 4. What was happening at that time? (Situation) Myths & Facts Mental illness is caused by evil spirit or supernatural power. Mental illnesses are untreatable. Lack of willpower causes mental illness. Marriage can cure mental illness. Mental health problems are only seen in illiterate, poor people. Myths & Facts People with mental illness can never be productive or do normal work like normal people. Mentally ill people have weak characters since they can't cope with the world in the same way that the rest of us do. Once a psychiatric patient, always a psychiatric patient.  Children don’t suffer from psychiatric illnesses. Mental health disorders are a result of bad Myths & Facts parenting. Attempting suicide is a sign of cowardice. Mentally ill patients are violent and dangerous. Early Signs of Mental Illness ▪ Getting significantly lower marks in college ▪ Avoiding friends and family ▪ Having frequent outbursts of anger ▪ Changes to sleeping or eating habits ▪ Acting out or rebelling against authority ▪ Drinking a lot and/or using drugs ▪ Not doing the things he or she used to enjoy  ▪ Worrying constantly Early Signs ▪ Experiencing frequent mood swings of Mental ▪ Not concerned with his or her appearance Illness ▪ Obsessed with his or her weight ▪ Lacking energy or motivation (Cont’d) ▪ Increased risk-taking behavior ▪ Feeling very down Risk Factors of Mental Illness ✓A history of mental illness in a blood relative ✓Stressful life situations ✓Chronic medical condition, such as diabetes ✓Brain damage as a result of a serious injury (traumatic brain injury) ✓Traumatic experiences ✓Family conflicts  alcohol or recreational drugs ✓Use of alcohol or recreational drugs Risk Factors ✓A childhood history of abuse or neglect of Mental ✓Relationships difficulties ✓A previous mental illness Illness ✓Social isolation ✓Unhappiness and decreased (Cont’d) enjoyment of life ✓Ragging ✓Financial crisis Common Mental Disorders of Youth Depression Anxiety Social Anxiety Phobias Panic disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Common Mental Disorders ofYouth (Cont’d) Somatoform Disorder Excessive Day Dreaming Self Harm Relationship problem Adjustment Disorder Drug abuse Gaming disorder Psychiatrist Vs Psychologist Psychiatrist Vs Psychologist Mental Health Professional Psychiatrists Psychologists Medical doctors Use talk-therapy Prescribe medication approaches Diagnose and manage treatment for complex and serious mental illness  Structure of Counselling Session ❖Duration of each counselling session is almost 45 minutes to 1 hour. ❖Gap in between two sessions is one week. ❖Total session may vary case by case.  Taking Care ofYour Mental Health Creating a Positive Mindset 1. Express gratitude for the good things in your life. Positive Mindset 2. Replace negative thoughts with positive self-talk. 3. Compliment yourself at least once a day. 4. Stop comparing yourself to other people. 5. Look for something positive when you’re facing an obstacle. 6. Use mindfulness to help you focus on the present.  Taking Care ofYour Mental Health (Cont’d) Being Your Best Self 1. Live according to your personal values. 2. Do at least one activity you enjoy every day. 3. Identify your strengths to help you have self confidence. 4. Work on improving your weaknesses so you can overcome them.  Taking Care ofYourMental Health (Cont’d) Building a Support System 1. Surround yourself with positive people. 2. Connect with others so you feel like part of your community. 3. Join a club or meetup that’s related to your interests to make friends.  Taking Care ofYourMental Health (Cont’d) Caring for Your Mind and Body 1. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. 2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. 3. Exercise 30 minutes daily for a positive mood and healthy body. 4. Take breaks from social media. 5. Work with a therapist if you need additional support.