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Introduction to Mental Health Introduction to Brain Disorders

Mood DisordersSubstance Use DisordersEating Disorders

Treatment for Brain DisordersMedicationTherapyOther Treatment

Possible Effects of An Untreated Brain DisorderSuicide

Our mental health is a reflection of how we think, feel, and act in facing life’s situation It affects how we look at ourselves, our

lives, and other people It affects how we make choices, handle

stress, relate to others, and evaluate our opinions or solutions to problems

Brain Disorders are chemical imbalances in the brain

Common brain disorders include, but are not limited to: mood disorders, substance use disorders, and eating disorders

One in five students ages 10-19 will suffer from a brain disorder in their lifetime.

Two common mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder

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Depression is one the most common mood disorders in teens and can be caused by a variety of things such as: Genetics Temperament (perfectionism) Life circumstances (family situations, relationships, etc)

Some common signs and symptoms are: Loss of interest in

activities that one once loved

Persistent sadness Too much or too little

sleep Feeling helpless or

worthless Difficulty

concentrating/focusing

Loss of or increased appetite/weight

Loss of motivation or energy

Feeling irritable, restless, rebellious, angry

Headaches Fighting with parents or

other family members Thoughts of injury to self or

others

This illness is associated with mania alternated by depressionMania is characterized by high energy,

racing thoughts, wild and erratic behavior, spends more money than usual, and can’t sleep at night

Depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, loss of energy, and is always sad

Symptoms of depression and mania come and go in episodes

People can become addicted to all sorts of substances such as: Medications Illegal drugs (Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.) Alcohol Cigarettes/Tobacco Inhalants such as chemicals and household items (“huffing”)

People who cannot function without taking a substance are consider to be “addicted” and are considered to have an addiction

Those who have an addiction have a substance use disorder. Substance abuse is continued use of a particular substance to

change a person’s mood or state of mind, despite the problems that use causes to their body, their family, in school, or with the law.

Once a person is addicted to alcohol or drugs, the average number of times he or she will be in treatment for their addiction is 7 times.

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Poor memory Having blackouts Glazed, bloodshot eyes Frequent nose bleeds Loss of control over use

of substance despite the consequences

Lying, stealing Anxiety, anger or

depression

Signs that someone may be using drugs or alcohol Withdrawing or keeping

secrets from family and friends

Drop in grades Problems at home, in

school, or with police Frequent and urgent

need for money Losing interest in

activities that used to be important Long-term consequences of substance abuse

are: Brain damage, headaches, damage to heart,

lungs, liver, kidneys, dehydration, high blood pressure, decreased short-term memory, personal injury from dangerous and risk taking behavior

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia are eating disorders

Eating disorders are brain disorders and are a result of psychological and emotional pain and conflict that have not been resolved

90% of high school students are currently on a diet.

Eating disorders effect boys and girls as young as four years of age

A person’s psychological fear of becoming fat leads them to stop eating.

Some signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa are: Excessive weight loss, self-starvation Playing with food A sense of pleasure and control from not eating Feeling fat after dramatic weight loss Begins to “give up” certain food groups (restrictive eating) The thinner the person gets, the more they think they need to

lose weight Some immediate and long-term consequences are:

Hair loss, muscle loss, spongy, breakable bones Inability to concentrate Very slow heart rate, low blood pressure, heart failure Irregular or absent menstrual periods; infertility Downy layer of hair over the entire body, including face Anxiety, fatigue, headaches Dehydration, dry skin Death

Characterized by secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging Some signs and symptoms are:

Secretly eating large amounts of food in a short time Feeling out of control while eating Eating beyond the point of comfortable fullness Shame, disgust or guilt after bingeing Vomiting or using laxatives after bingeing Fasting or over-exercising after a binge Making excuses to disappear after meals Weight can vary from thin to obese

Some immediate and long-term consequences are: Dehydration Anxiety Tooth discoloration and decay Stunted growth Ulcers in mouth, esophagus (throat) and stomach; even ruptured stomach or

esophagus Headaches Fatigue Irregular or absent menstrual periods Stomach aches; irregular bowel movements Death

Treatment does work! Doctors want to treat teenagers early on to

prevent future serious problems such as hospitalization or death.

Treatment can include Medication Therapy

Things you can also do Develop a new skill Develop healthy friendships and role models Improve your outlook - develop a positive outlook

on life Exercise – moderate exercise 3-5 times a week for

one hour Get appropriate sleep and rest- this could vary by

person Eat properly

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among Americans between ages of 15-24

One in five students ages 10-19 consider suicide as a solution to their problems each year

Suicide is never the answer and there is always help

Voices of Hope video