MENTAL HEALTH

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

• Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” According to WHO.
• Mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.” It is about not only avoiding active conditions but also looking after ongoing wellness and happiness.

• Mental health refers to cognitive(thinking), behavioural(actions), and emotional(feelings) well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder/illness/problem.

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• Mental health can affect daily lives(daily activities), relationships, and physical health.
• Factors in our lives, interpersonal connections, and physical factors can all contribute to mental health disruptions.

RISK FACTORS MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

• We are all at risk of developing a mental health disorder, no matter their age, sex, income, or ethnicity.
• Social and financial circumstances, biological factors, and lifestyle choices can all shape a person’s mental health.
• Unfortunately a large proportion of people with a mental health disorder have more than one condition at a time.

• A 2015 study  of 903 families identified several socioeconomic causes of mental health conditions, including poverty and living on the outskirts of a large city.
• The researchers also explained the difference in the availability and quality of mental health treatment for certain groups in terms of modifiable factors, which can change over time, and unmodifiable factors, which are permanent.

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HOW IT CAN AFFECT:

• Good mental health depends on a balance of factors and that several elements of life and the world at large can work together to contribute to disorders/in avoiding the disorders.

FACTORS THAT MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO MENTAL HEALTH DISRUPTIONS:

Modifiable;

• Occupation

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SOCIO ECONOMIC FACTORS:

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• Socioeconomic conditions, such as whether work is available in the local area.
• Personal level of social involvement (relationships)
• Education
• A childhood history of abuse or neglect

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• Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
• A loved one's death 

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Unmodifiable

• Gender
• Age
• Ethnicity

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BIOLOGICAL FACTORS:

• Genetic family history can increase the likelihood  of mental health conditions, as certain genes and gene variants put a person at higher risk.
• An ongoing (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes
• Brain damage as a result of a serious injury.

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COMMON SYMPTOMS:

• Feeling sad or down
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• Withdrawal from friends and activities

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• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
• Problems with alcohol or drug use

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• Major changes in eating habits
• Sex drive changes
• Excessive anger, hostility or violence
• Suicidal thoughts/ideations.

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HOW TO TAKE CARE OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH:

•  Controlling stress, to increase your resilience and to boost low self-esteem may help keep your mental health in great shape.
• Pay attention to warning signs. 
• Get help when you need it.
• Take good care of yourself

HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS:

• Exercise and eat regularly.
• Get enough sleep and have a good sleep routine.
• Avoid excess caffeine which can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation.
• Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

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• Learn relaxation exercises (abdominal breathing and muscle relaxation techniques).
• Develop assertiveness training skills. E.g. state feelings in polite, firm, and not overly aggressive or passive ways: ("I feel angry when you yell at me.” "Please stop yelling.”)
• Rehearse and practice situations which cause stress.Example if talking in front of a class makes you anxious.

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• Learn practical coping skills. For example, break a large task into smaller, more attainable tasks.
• Decrease negative self-talk: challenge negative thoughts - with alternative, neutral, or positive thoughts. 

My life will never get better” can be transformed into "I may feel hopeless now, but my life will probably get better if I work at it and get some help.”

• Learn to feel good about doing a competent or "good enough” job rather than demanding perfection from yourself and others.
•  Activities like listening to music, talking to a friend, drawing, writing, or watching movies can reduce stress.
• Build a network of friends who help you cope in a positive way.

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NO MATTER WHAT COMES YOUR WAY, ALWAYS RISE YOUR HEAD UP HIGH,MOVE ALONG WITH THOSE THAT HAVE A SPARKLE IN THEIR EYES WHENEVER THEY SEE YOU!

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