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)