Mrs. Voakes PPZ 3O

Mental HealthMental health was once thought to be

the absence of mental illnessNow it refers to how you use the various

aspects of health to achieve positive feelings about yourself and improve your ability to deal with problems.

Mental HealthThe National Association for Mental Health

describes someone with good mental health as having the following characteristics;

1.Feels comfortable with himself or herself2.Has good relationships with others 3.Meets the demands of life.

Assessing Your Mental HealthGet a blank piece of paperWrite yes , sometimes, or no to

answer each questionYou do not need to show anyone your results

Assessing Your Mental Health1. Are you willing to assume responsibilities

appropriate for someone your age?2. Do you participate in activities appropriate to

your stage in life?3. Do you accept your responsibilities?4. Do you solve problems rather than avoid them? 5. Do you make decisions with a minimum of

worry?6. Do you stick with a choice you made until new

factors surface?7. Are you satisfied with your accomplishments?

Assessing Your Mental Health8. Do you recognise that thinking about a problem

is the first step in toward taking action?9. Do you learn from failures or defeats?10. Do you keep success in perspective?11. Do you enjoy working and enjoy playing?12. Do you say no to negative situations even

though they may provide temporary pleasure?13. Do you say yes to positive situations even

though there may be some momentary displeasure?

14. Can you tell others when you are angry?

Assessing Your Mental Health15. Can you show affection?16. Can you endure frustration when the

source cannot be changed or eliminated?17. Can you make compromises in dealing

with difficulties?18. Can you concentrate and work at a single

goal?19. Do you recognize the challenges of life?20. Can you develop and maintain family and

intemate relationships?

Assessing Your Mental HealthCount the number of Yeses and the number

of Nos

If you have more Yeses, you may have more characteristics of good mental health

Emotions Are Normal Emotions are feelings in response to

an activity or an experience. They can be positive or negative

Example: Feeling angry is natural but expressing that anger with violence is not.

Hormones and Drugs can also alter ones mood or emotions.

Expressing Emotions Expressing emotions is learned from past

experiences. Your personal interactions and Modeling

of others You see how someone else reacts and the

next time the same situation happens to you, you react in the same manner.

Expressing Emotions Expressing emotions in a positive way is

an essential skill that must be practiced and rehearsed. Example: When feeling angry, instead of

hitting something or someone. Do some strenuous exercise or talk to someone about it.

LoveThe feeling of strong affection or

caring for another person. Everyone has the need to love, and the need to

be loved by others. There are different types of Love.

Romantic Love is often confused with attraction in the adolescence years.

Happiness The feeling of joy and well-being or

contentment Happiness can also be a goal that drives people

– self help books

Tips on how to be happy. - Recognize that you have some control in

your life -You are the only one who can control

your attitude and how you react. -Adopt a healthy lifestyleHave a positive attitude -Think about what makes you happy and

make time for those activities

Tips on how to be happy. Work hard at tasks you find meaningful

Be organized, but flexible, so you can adapt to changes as they occur in your life.

-Establish close relationships with others

Optimism Feeling that life experiences will be positive (having a positive attitude) Optimism is a healthy emotion that

affects your physical wellbeing

HumourA characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling that provokes laughter Humour provides a way of expressing negative

emotions in a positive way. Laughter can boost your immune system

Fear -The feeling of danger

Fear response – Increase heart rate, muscles tense, and your senses become more alert. Staying in this state can harm your body.

Fears are useful as they protect you from harm If the feeling of danger is not realistic it should

be managed.

Managing FearHow to deal with fear

Self talk - Saying things to yourself in order to view a fear more realistically

Environmental planning - Rearrange the environment to reduce your fear

AngerA strong feeling of irritation Anger also increases heart rate, raises blood

pressure, causes headaches and nausea

Managing AngerRecognize what the source of anger is.

Others can make you angry but they do not make you express your anger

It is important to talk to someone about the problem as bottling is bad for your health.

Guilt -The feeling that you have done

something wrong or are responsible for something bad happening Guilt can be a cue to resolve a problem

Managing Guilt Think about what the source of guilt

is. If you have made a mistake, correct it and

the move on. If the guilt seems overwhelming seek a

professions help

Depression A feeling of anxiety, loneliness, and despair

It can interfere with the ability to carry out daily tasks

affects 33% of teens

Depression - Symptoms Sleeping too much or too little - Loss of appetite-Feeling tired throughout the day - Loss of energy-Lack of interest or lack of ability to

concentrate -Withdrawal from a group

Factors linked to depression Family History – the tendency for

depression appears to be hereditary (genes or environment?)

Major life stresses – personal traumas – neglect, abuse

Physical Illness – Illness can causes depression for multiple reasons

Substance abuse – The dependency and guilt can cause depression

Gender – more likely in women

Managing Depression Identify what has made you depressed

Focus on positive things in life Talk to a friend or professional Exercise – releases endorphins

Are you at risk for depressionWrite your answers on a blank piece of paperDo not show others your answers. You can also fill this out to see if you think a

friend is depressed.

Answer Yes or No

Are you at risk for depression1. Do you have problems concentrating or

making decisions?

2. Are you almost always tired, or do you have problems sitting still because you are so upset

3. Do you sleep well? Are you sleeping much more or much less than usual?

Are you at risk for depression4. Have you gained or lost a significant

amount of weight?

5. Do you find that you are no longer enjoy things that used to make you happy?

6. Do you feel worthless most of the time?

7. Do you have thoughts of death?

Are you at risk for depressionIf you answered Yes to 5 or more of these

questions, please speak to a school councillor, parent, guardian, teacher, etc.

Jealousy The feeling of wanting something that

someone else has or the fear of losing something you have.

Managing JealousyDiscuss your feeling with the person involved Jealousy that is not dealt with can lead to

anger

Loneliness- The feeling of isolation or alienation

Managing LonelinessTake charge - Engage in activities that

will make you part of a group. Make the effort to call old friends or

volunteer

Shyness The feeling of being timid or bashful

Often people who are shy, lack self-esteem

Managing Self-esteem / Improving Self Esteem Make a list of your strengths and positive

traits Do not put yourself down. It makes you feel inferior Put yourself in situations with supportive people Do not spend time with people who make you feel

bad about yourself. If this cannot be avoided remember your

strengths and positive traits Do not be afraid to try new things and fail.

Failures teach lessons that help you grow as a person.

Questions 1. How would you know if you are mentally

healthy? I (1) 2. List four SMART goals you can set to

achieve happiness I (2)3. Describe some positive strategies for

managing anger I (1) 4. List four things you can do to keep from

feeling lonely I (1)