MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

HEALTH

DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH• Emotional Health : a dimension of health that involves

your emotions, mood, outlook on life and beliefs about yourself

• Intellectual Health: a dimension of health that involves your ability to think clearly and critically, learn, and solve problems.

• Physical health: a dimension of health the involves your body, including physical fitness and the ability to cope with everyday physical tasks.

• Social health: a dimension of health that involves your communication skills, relationships, and ability to interact with others.

• Your emotional and intellectual heath impacts the other dimensions of your health.

• Learning how to recognize and manage your emotions, including your reactions to stress, will help you improve your health and wellness.

• Mental illnesses and disorders are like physical illness and disorders – they can be diagnosed and treated, often successfully.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS IQANSWER TRUE FALSE OR IT DEPENDS

• People with good mental and emotional health spend time developing and maintaining close relationships.

• TRUE

• People with good mental and emotional health never experience disappointments or failures.

• FALSE: Even people with good mental health experience negative events and failures. They view these situations, however, as learning experiences rather than proof of their own weakness.

• Many teenagers regularly experience mood swings.

• TRUE

• Many teenagers have a distinct identity and clear sense of who they are.

• IT DEPENDS: Some teenagers may have a clear sense of who they are, but most teenagers are still going through the process.

• Once people establish their identity, it remains set for their lifetime.

• FALSE: A person’s identity grows and changes as he or she matures and develops new interests over time.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS IQANSWER TRUE FALSE OR IT DEPENDS

• If you are experiencing unpleasant emotions, it is best to distract yourself and not think about what is causing them.

• IT DEPENDS: While it can be helpful to distract yourself from upsetting situations, you also need to acknowledge the emotions you are experiencing and understand what is causing them.

• Have fun is an important part of maintaining good mental and emotional health.

• TRUE

• People with high self-esteem are often boastful and conceited.

• FALSE: People who have good self-esteem feel good about themselves, so they are not worried about boasting or being conceited.

MAKING SENSE OF YOUR EMOTIONS

• Emotions are the moods or feelings you experience

• Figuring out which emotions you feel and why can be difficult

• Both pleasant and unpleasant emotions are part of daily life

MANAGING EMOTIONS

• First, identify the emotions you are feeling

• Second, try to acknowledge and accept the emotions

• Third, express your emotions

• Finally, find a way to make yourself feel better

DEVELOP RESILENCE AND COPING SKILLS

OPTIMISM – the ability to keep a positive outlook.

RESILENCE – the ability to recover from traumatic or stressful events.

DEVELOP RESILENCE AND COPING SKILLS

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE• People with high emotional intelligence can

identify the emotions they are feeling and understand the emotions of others.

• They have high levels of empathy• Empathy – the ability to imagine yourself in

someone else’s place, and to understand someone else’s wants, needs, and point of view.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE HIGH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE EXHIBIT OTHER

CHARACTERISTICS, INCLUDING:

• Self – Awareness – they understand their emotions and how those emotions impact people around them. They also feel comfortable relying on their intuition, and have a good sense of their own strength and weaknesses.

• Self-regulation – they can control their feelings and impulses and act with careful deliberation and integrity.

• Motivation – they are willing to work on challenging tasks and are highly productive.

• Social skills – they work well with other people, help build and maintain relationships, and resolve conflicts in constructive ways.

WHO ARE YOU? COLLAGECONSTRUCT A “WHO ARE YOU?” COLLAGE. COMPLETELY

COVER THE FRONT OF THE CARD STOCK WITH PICTURES, WORDS, AND QUOTES THAT DESCRIBE WHO YOU ARE. ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED YOUR COLLAGE, ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ON THE BACK OF YOUR PAPER IN AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE.

PAST• Which people have

had the biggest effect on your life?

• What meaningful places have you visited?

• What past experiences have had an effect on your life?

PRESENT• What do you think

of yourself at this very moment?

• What activities do you enjoy?

• What makes you happy?

• What interests you?

FUTURE• What do you

want to do in your life?

• What are your goals and dreams?

• What profession would you choose if you had no limitations, hurdles, or barriers to stand in your way?

FORMING AN IDENTITY• Your identity (who you are) includes

– Physical identity: gender, race, age, and physical characteristics, such as height, weight, and hair color.

– Active identity: engagement in particular activities and interests, such as sports, music, and community service

– Social identity: connection to other people including family members, friends, and group members

– Psychological identity: internal thoughts and feelings

• People often focus on different parts of their identities at different ages

GENDER IDENTITY• Gender identity – a person’s biological makeup (male

or female ) and how a person experiences or expresses that makeup.

• Young children learn gender roles by three years of age• Gender role – attitudes and behaviors that a society

considers “appropriate” for males or females. • Gender identity is influenced in part by a person’s culture.

GENDER IDENTITY• Society typically associates certain traits with femininity

(being female) and masculinity (being male). Societal perceptions of feminine and masculine traits, however, are unrealistic. This is because women may have some masculine traits and men may have some feminine traits.

• Androgynous – a term that describes a person who exhibits feminine and masculine traits equally

• Gender Stereotypes – culturally defined assumptions about what it means to be male or female

• Believing that only girls should play with dolls or only boys should play with trucks is gender stereotyping.

ETHNIC IDENTITY• Ethnicity is a person’s

connection to a social group that shares similar cultural or national ties

• People may define their ethnicity through– Traditions– Language– Religious practices– Cultural values

EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL CHANGES

• Many teenagers experience changes in their emotions and social relationships– Having more interest in dating– Showing more independence from parents– Spending more time with friends and less time

with family– Feeling more intense emotions, including

sadness and depression

MORAL DEVELOPMENT

• Adolescents show changes in how they think about moral decisions

• By the time they reach high school, teenagers have typically formed their own moral code

• They can use this code to decide how to act in situations

UNDERSTANDING SELF-ESTEEM

• Your self-image is your mental picture of yourself– Your appearance– Your skills and abilities– Your weaknesses

• Your self-image forms gradually over time

• It is influenced by your life experiences

UNDERSTANDING SELF-ESTEEM

• Self-esteem describes how you feel about yourself

• People who like themselves have high self-esteem

• People who have low self-esteem doubt their own self-worth

WHY SELF-ESTEEM MATTERS• Your self-esteem has a

major impact on different aspects of your life– How well you do in

school– How easily you make

friends– How you manage

disappointments and frustrations

FACTORS THAT AFFECT SELF-ESTEEM

• Many factors can affect self-esteem– Social interactions– Home, school, and

cultural environments– Life events– Media (television,

books, and movies)– Body image– Personal perceptions

SELF ACTUALIZATION• Self-actualization is the

feeling that you are becoming the best person you can be

• According to psychologist Abraham Maslow, self-actualization occurs only after you meet your basic needs

WHAT IS STRESS?

HEALTH AND WELLNESS IQANSWER TRUE FALSE OR IT DEPENDS

• Only negative events cause stress, not positive events.

• FALSE: Although stress is often associated with negative events, positive events can also cause stress.

• Your heart rate reacts to stress by slowing down to save energy.

• FALSE: When you are stressed, your heart rate increases to deliver oxygen and energy more quickly to various parts of your body.

• Interpersonal relationships can cause stress.

• TRUE

• Stress can sometimes lead you to perform at your best.

• TRUE

• Stress disrupts memory.

• TRUE

HEALTH AND WELLNESS IQANSWER TRUE FALSE OR IT DEPENDS

• During times of high stress, you should take a break from exercising to give your body a rest.

• FALSE: During times of stress you should not neglect your body’s physical needs. This means you should eat well, exercise, and get adequate sleep.

• People who experience high levels of stress are more likely to get a cold.

• TRUE

• Watching a funny movie is a good way to reduce stress.

• TRUE

HEALTH AND WELLNESS IQANSWER TRUE FALSE OR IT DEPENDS

• People who write in a journal to reduce stress have lower rates of illness.

• IT DEPENDS: Journaling can help you release your feelings and manage your stress, which may lead to being less stressed and less susceptible to illness, but this is not guaranteed.

• Social media can cause stress.

• IT DEPENDS: If you are experiencing stressful interpersonal conflict that occurs online, then social media can cause stress. At other times, social media can be a source of pleasant emotions as a result of being socially connected.

WHAT IS STRESS?• Stress – the body’s physical and

psychological response to traumatic or challenging situations

• Stressor – any factor that causes stress

TYPES OF STRESSORS

• Stress may be . . . – acute (sudden and

short-lived) or chronic (lasting over a long time period)

– caused by major events or daily struggles

– positive as well as negative

ACUTE VERSUS CHRONIC STRESS

• Acute stress is temporary (example: a final exam)

• Chronic stress is continual (example: stress over an unsafe neighborhood)

• The body can manage acute stress, but chronic stress harms the body

MAJOR LIFE EVENTS VERSUS DAILY HASSLES

• Major events (moving, a parent’s death) are the most stressful in a person’s life

• Daily hassles (being late, losing keys) create more overall stress since they occur frequently

THINK FURTHER

How can stress be positive as well as negative?Stress can produce positive feelings, such as excitement before a big game or motivation to do well on a test. Positive events, such as the birth of a sibling, can cause stress because they increase responsibilities.

Why is it possible for two people to have completely different responses to the same stressful event?

People may have different perceptions of an event, interpreting or thinking about it in a different way.

SOURCES OF STRESS FOR TEENAGERS

Click here for the Unit 6 video, “Stressed Out”

• Relationships (conflict with family, friends, and peers)

• School (academic pressure; balancing schoolwork with other activities)

• Home environment (crowded, noisy, lack of privacy; lack of food or money; crime in your neighborhood)

• Inner conflict (making difficult life choices)

STAGES OF STRESSThe body’s response to stress can be divided into three stages:

1. ALARM

2. RESISTANCE

3. EXHAUSTION

ALARM STAGE

• Your body mobilizes all of its resources to fight off a threat, either by attacking or escaping from the threat.

• This physiological reaction to a threat is called the fight-or-flight response.

• Fight-or-Flight:

- increase heart rate, blood flow, and sweat production

- Pupils widen to improve your vision- Other body processes are stopped or slowed

down (such as digestion and reproduction). This allows your body to focus its resources where they are most needed.

RESISTANCE STAGE

• Your body continues to devote energy to maintaining its physiological response to the threat.

• Heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are still rapid

EXHAUSTION STAGE

• If the threat persists, the body may stay in a state of physiological arousal for a long time.

• The body’s resources will be used up and exhaustion will occur.

THE BODY’S RESPONSE TO STRESS

• People who experience chronic stress are at greater risk of developing a number of illnesses and diseases, including:• Ulcers• Diabetes• Colds and flu• Asthma• Headaches• Eczema and hives• Back pain• Gastrointestinal disorders• Hernias• Cancer• Cardiovascular disease

STRESS AND BODY SYSTEMS• Nervous system—the brain, sensing a

threat, sends out signals to mobilize the body

• Endocrine system—produces stress hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine

• Cardiovascular system—pumps blood at a faster rate

• Immune system—gets fewer resources to produce disease-fighting lymphocytes

• Reproductive system—stress hormones such as cortisol cause sex hormones to decrease, reducing fertility

STRESS AND YOUR MENTAL AND

EMOTIONAL HEALTH• Stress affects cognitive

abilities (thinking and reasoning), leading to– Trouble focusing– Risk of injury– Negative thoughts– Impulsive decisions– Forgetfulness (stress hormones

disrupt the hippocampus—the brain’s memory center)

STRESS AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS

• Stress can cause many emotions: fear, anxiety, helplessness, anger, shock, or numbness

• Chronic stress can lead to depression, a feeling of low self-worth and disinterest in life

• Extremely stressful events can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)• May occur after a person experiences and

extremely frightening or upsetting event.

• These events include natural disasters, war, terrorist events, and sexual assault.

What are some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD?

• Nightmares and recurring thoughts about the event• Feeling detached, numb, uncaring, irritable, angry, or guilty • Inability to remember parts of the event• Lack of interest in normal activities• Avoidance of people associated with the event• Being easily startled• Difficulty concentrating• Difficulty sleeping

STRESS AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

• Stress can lead to behavioral problems– Conflict (arguments

and domestic violence)– Unhealthy lifestyle

choices (smoking, drinking, taking drugs, bad eating habits, infrequent exercise, lack of sleep)

MANAGING STRESSTIPS FOR REDUCING OR AVOIDING STRESS:

• Manage time (plan ahead)• Set limits by saying no

when too busy• Stay positive • Distract yourself• Laugh• Use relaxation techniques• Take care of yourself• Express feelings to a

friend or in a journal

STAYING POSITIVE

• Use positive reappraisal to focus on the positives of a stressful event

• Distract yourself—go for a walk, read, or volunteer

• Watch a funny movie or talk to a friend who makes you laugh

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES• Deep breathing – decreases heart

rate and blood pressure

• Visualization – imagining being in a pleasant environment.

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation – tensing then relaxing each part of your body.

• Meditation – clear your mind• Yoga - a series of postures and

breathing exercises

EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS

• Talk to a friend or family member – one of the best strategies for managing stress is to talk to the people who you trust

• Write in a journal – reflecting on problems can also help release and manage stress.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

• Seek the help of a counselor, social worker, therapist, or psychologist – After experiencing major

stress such as the death of a loved one or parents’ divorce

– When you’ve experienced stress for more than a couple of weeks

STRESS AND ANXIETY WEBQUEST

http://kidshealth.org/teen/stress_coping_center/

MENTAL ILLNESSES AND DISORDERS

• Mental illness – a medical condition in which a person experiences mental or emotional problems severe or persistent enough to interfere with daily functioning; also known as a mental disorder

• The terms mental illness and mental disorder are often used interchangeably because they both refer to serious mental health conditions.

• Anxiety and Depression are two of the most common types of mental illnesses.

ANXIETY• Symptoms of anxiety

include: – Increased heart rate– Rapid breathing– Sweaty palms– Upset stomach

• People who experience these symptoms on a regular basis may have an anxiety disorder

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety disorder – a mental illness characterized by extreme or unrealistic worries about daily events, experiences, or objects.

TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS:

• Panic disorder – experience panic attacks (episodes of intense fear that are often accompanied by serious physical symptoms.

• Generalized anxiety disorder - causes extreme or unrealistic worries over daily experiences

• Phobias – extreme anxiety caused by specific objects or situations. (e.g., social phobia or social anxiety disorder)

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – persistent and obsessive thoughts or feelings that they manage by engaging in ritualized behavior.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - occurs after a terrifying event or experience

• Depression is a feeling of hopelessness, loneliness, and inability to care about anything

• Most people experience depression at some point in their lives, but the feelings typically go away over time

• Depression that lasts a long time or is especially severe is called major depression or clinical depression

Depression

MAJOR DEPRESSION• Symptoms of major depression:

– Extreme tiredness and lack of energy– Difficulty sleeping– Difficulty concentrating– Irritability, anger, and hostility– Recurrent thoughts of death

• How is major depression different from typical feelings of loss and sadness?– Major depression is very intense and lasts for two weeks or more.

People experience changes in thinking and behavior. If left untreated, it can have serious effects.

BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar disorderCharacterized by intense periods of depression closely followed by extreme positive, or manic feelings

Symptoms of a manic mood may include poor judgment, little need for sleep, hyperactive behavior, and lack of self-control.

People in the mania phase of bipolar disorder may show lack of

self-control by overspending.

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF LIFE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6Fk503rRT4

Hakeem Rahim

SCHIZOPHRENIA

• Schizophrenia– A mental illness characterized by delusions,

hallucinations, and irregular thoughts

WHAT IS A PERSONALITY DISORDER?

Personality disorder - A consistent pattern of inappropriate behavior

People with antisocial personality disorder disregard rules and are indifferent to other people’s rights and feelings

People with borderline personality disorder have unstable self-esteem and relationships

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

People with ASD have problems with normal interpersonal interactions

Symptoms include Avoiding eye contact Failing to respond when spoken to Engaging in repetitive motions or unusual

behaviors Needing a familiar routine Using gestures inappropriately Having delayed language development

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADD/ADHD)

• ADD and ADHD are the most common mental disorders in children and adolescents

• Symptoms– Difficulty focusing, organizing and

completing tasks, sitting still, and listening to instructions

– Becoming bored quickly– Talking too much or blurting out

inappropriate things

People with ADD/ADHD get bored quickly and struggle to

pay attention.

OTHER DISORDERS

Addiction to substances increases a person’s risk of depression,

anxiety, and other mental illness.

MYTH OR FACT?

Eating disorders and self-injury are not real disorders, but ways for people to get attention.

MYTH

- Fact: Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses.- Fact: While not technically a mental disorder, self-injury is often addictive and can be linked to other mental disorders such as depression or borderline personality. People self-injure because they cannot effectively manage or control their emotions.

CAUSES OF MENTAL ILLNESSES

• The causes of most mental illnesses and disorders are unknown

• They may be caused by a combination of– Biological factors– Environmental factors– Psychological factors

BIOLOGICAL FACTORS: GENETICS

• Certain genes inherited from parents can give someone a genetic predisposition for mental illness, meaning they are more likely to develop that illness

• Genes influence the levels of chemicals in the brain– Low serotonin can cause depression– People with high levels of dopamine may have

schizophrenia

BIOLOGICAL FACTORS: BRAIN INJURY

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) such as a concussion results from a severe blow or jolt to the head that damages the brain

• Brain injuries can lead to temporary or permanent changes in the brain, including– Depression– Anxiety– Personality changes – Aggression– Substance abuse to control

mood and pain

THINK FURTHER

What are some symptoms of a concussion?Disorientation and confusionNauseaWeaknessMemory lossUnconsciousness

Why should a concussion be treated by a doctor?

– Concussions can lead to serious complications.

BIOLOGICAL FACTORS: PRENATAL ENVIRONMENT

• Developing babies risk mental illness if the mother:– Uses alcohol or drugs– Eats poorly– Has stress or trauma– Is exposed to a virus, toxins, or

certain chemicals

• Babies may also experience brain damage during a difficult birth

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Mental disorders can be triggered by stressful events and experiences in a person’s environment

– Death of a loved one– Divorce– Family conflict– Financial pressures– Moving or changing jobs or

schools– Abuse or neglect– Substance abuse

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

• Unhealthy thinking patterns, or cognitive distortions, can lead to mental disorders

• Examples include black-and-white thinking and catastrophizing

• Changing these ways of thinking can improve mental health

Therapy can help people change unhealthy thinking

patterns, leading to improved mental health.

UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING SUICIDE

Jordan Burnham Story – Depression & Suicide

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfj3Suuk4Tk&safe=active

WHY DO PEOPLE COMMIT SUICIDE?

• People consider suicide because they believe their life can never get better

• A mental illness such as depression is often the cause of these feelings

• It is important for people to get help if they are contemplating suicide

RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE

• Past suicide attempts• A history of mental illness or substance abuse• Troubled home environment• Crisis such as financial hardship• Experience of abuse, neglect, or bullying• Hearing about someone else who has committed

suicide (this can lead to a suicide contagion or suicide clusters)• Suicide contagion – copying of suicide attempts• Suicide clusters – a series of suicides in a

community over a relatively short period of time

IMPACT OF SUICIDE ON OTHERS

• Survivors who have lost a loved one to suicide may feel– Guilt for not being able to

prevent the death– Abandonment and rejection– Embarrassment or shame

• Since others feel uncomfortable with the topic of suicide, survivors may not get the support they need

PREVENTING SUICIDE

How can you help prevent suicide? What warning signs can you look for?

‒Take any mention of suicide seriously. When someone threatens suicide, or if you are thinking of suicide, get help immediately. Find a trusted adult, call 911, or phone a suicide hotline to reach a counselor.

‒ Look for warning signs such as• Changes in eating and sleeping habits• Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities• Disregard for personal appearance• Giving away possessions• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed

BARRIERS TO SEEKING HELP

• Social stigma– Negative and unfair beliefs

about mental illness that can make people ashamed to seek help

• Cost of treatment– Health insurance may cover

part of the expense; some clinics offer reduced rates or no cost

TREATMENTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS

• Individual therapy• Family therapy• Support groups• Medication, often used in

combination with therapy• Inpatient treatment

received round-the-clock in a hospital

MEDICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH• Antidepressants treat depression by making

chemicals such as serotonin more available• Stimulants for ADD/ADHD help increase

norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, improving memory and attention span

• Medication for anxiety helps slow down the central nervous system

• Antipsychotics help manage schizophrenia• Lithium helps control the highs and lows of bipolar

disorder• Medications may help people manage withdrawal

from addictions and substance abuse