Download what is mental health

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
While Mental Health can mean different things to different people, self-esteem and the capacity to care about others are
universally important components of Mental Health.
Mentally healthy people understand that they are not perfect nor can they be all things to all people.
They experience a full range of emotions including sadness, anger, and frustration as well as joy, love, and satisfaction.
While they typically can handle life’s challenges and changes, they can reach out for help if they are having difficulty
dealing with major traumas and transitions-loss of loved ones, marriage difficulties, school work problems and the
prospect of retirement.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Even when you try your best, you will experience periods of frustration and unhappiness. Usually with time, you will
overcome your distress. However, you must learn to recognize when your problems or those of your loved ones are
too much to handle alone. You can help your self, your family and your friends by knowing when to ask for
professional help. Some of the warning signs include;
Undue prolonged anxiety.
This is an anxiety out of proportion to any identifiable reason or cause. Of course, everyone experiences problems that
make him or her tense and anxious. However, a deep, continuing anxiety- a state of almost constant tension and
fear that may fasten itself to one cause after another- is a signal that help is needed. Unrelated anxiety not only
causes mental anguish but also can lead to physical problems.
Prolonged or severe depression:
Clinical depression, which is quite different from normal depressed feelings or “the blues” strongly, affects thinking,
feelings and behaviour. Persistent feelings of inadequacy, sadness, helplessness, undue pessimism, and loss of
confidence are some symptoms of depression. A change in behaviour patterns is a key sign that depression may
be getting out of hand and help should be sought.
Depressed individuals usually withdraw from friends they normally enjoy, from loved ones, and from the usual occupation
and hobbies that give pleasure. Their eating and sleeping habits change. Some suffer from insomnia, especially an
inability to stay asleep; others seek solace in overeating and excess sleeping. Other symptoms include low energy,
chronic fatigue, and decreased effectiveness at school, work or home, loss of sexual interest. Depressed individuals
are those most likely to think of suicide. During periods of crisis people should be with others, avoid isolation.
Abrupt changes in mood and behaviour.
These changes do not include deliberate steps a person adopts for self-improvement. They refer to changes in mood
and behaviour that reflect serious alterations in an individual’s normal habits or way of thinking.
In addition, frequent or regular mood changes from highs to lows’ whether gradual or abrupt, can signal a mood
disorder. Any of these warning signs are severe or long lasting, whether caused by a medical illness or not,
professional help may be needed.
Physical symptoms that may be related to tension:
Some bodily ailments and complaints-headaches, including migraines), nausea, or unexplained pains- may have no
identifiable physical cause. These symptoms are very real. Only a physician is qualified to determine whether they
are caused by medical illness. Because medical tests may reveal an organic cause, a doctor should check any
persistent physical ailment.
DARE TO CARE
Do not fear those experiencing mental illness. It can happen to any one. Do not ignore warning signs. We should be
willing to challenge the myths and misconceptions about mental illness.
We should be willing to provide better care; ensure access to care and insist on equity (fairness) in care. All this is
possible if we dare to believe that mental health care is a basic health concern for all.
I must commend you all for taking such a step as this to be informed about mental illness and by so doing will be on the
path to influence change and I congratulate you all.
MYTHS HURT
MYTHS: Mental and brain disorders only affect adults.
REALITY: All are affected-children and adults, rich and poor.
Mental and brain disorders affects adults, the elderly, children and adolescents.
W.H.O estimates that approximately one in five of the world’s youth (15 years and younger) suffer from mental and brain
disorders.
MYTH: Mental and brain disorders are just a fragment of one’s imagination.
REALITY: They are real illnesses that cause suffering and disability.
How often do we hear “Pull your self up- its all in your mind, your imagination; It is not only friends and family that
fail to grasp the existence of a mental disorder. Even Governments choose ignorance, as demonstrated by the fact
that mental health is often excluded from health priorities and planning.
Mental disorders are real; they provoke suffering, cause’s disability, and can even shorten life. (Episodes of depression
can result in suicide, liver disease resulting from alcoholism.
MYTH: It is impossible to help someone with a mental or brain disorder.
REALITY: Treatments exist and caregivers can assist.
Some people recover completely from mental and neurological disorders, others have a more difficult time, however in
all cases there can be an alleviation of suffering through different methods.
TYPES OF MENTAL ILLNESSES
SCHISOPHRENIA
What is it?
This is a complex and extremely puzzling type of mental illness and is particularly disabling, generally interfering
with the ability to work, relate to others, and take care of oneself. Generally, symptoms become apparent
during adolescence or early adulthood, but can begin later in life
Schizophrenia is characterized by profound (intense) disruption in thinking and feelings, affecting language,
thought, perception and sense of self. It often includes psychotic experiences such as hearing voices or
holding fixed abnormal beliefs, can be paranoid in nature, whereby the individual wrongly feels persecuted
or endangered, known as delusions.
MOOD DISORDERS:
Depression, mania and bipolar disorders (manic-Depressive disorder) is characterized by cycles of depression
and mania. This disorder change the way people think, feel, and behave. Unlike the down feel we
sometimes experience, major depression lingers on and become more pronounced than warranted by the
events of daily living.
Depression interferes with the ability to think, to concentrate and to enjoy the normal pleasures of life. Depressed
people may brood about death and dying, and may exhibit suicidal behaviour. Some people experience
depressive episodes –onset of illness can be severe and debilitating. Others continue to function, but feel
depressed and “under the weather” all the time.
MANIC-Episodes;
are marked initially by elation, hyperactivity, and irritability, decreased need for sleep, inflated self-esteem, and
increased loud speech, with abrupt change in topic. As the episode continues and progress, the mania can,
like those with Schizophrenia, become overly psychotic, experiencing delusions, hallucination, and bizarre
behaviour.
ANXIETY DISORDERS
1. Panic Disorder
2. Phobic Disorder-the most common form of anxiety disorders eg. Acrophobia; the fear of height
Claustrophobia; the fear of enclosed places
Hydrophobia; the fear of water.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
4. Post –Traumatic Stress Disorder
5. Anxiety Disorder Due To Medical Condition
6. Substance –Induced Anxiety Disorder
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Cluster A (Odd, Eccentric Behaviour)
Paranoid Personality Disorder- this individual is suspicious and mistrust people
Schizoid Personality Disorder-this individual is an “introvert” and a “loner” and has no desire for social
involvement
Schizotypal Personality Disorder- this individual generally exhibit disturbance in thoughts processes
Cluster B (Emotional, Erratic Behaviour)
Antisocial Personality Disorder-this include lack of remorse or indifference to person whom one has hurt
Borderline Personality Disorder-symptoms may include impulsive unpredictable behaviour eg. Shoplifting, sex
and drug abuse
Histrionic Personality Disorder-self-dramatization and exaggeration of emotion to draw attention to self
Narcissistic Personality Disorder-exaggerated or grandiose sense of self-importance
Cluster C (Anxious, Fearful Behaviour)
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder-symptoms include preoccupation with details, lists, and rules to the
extent that the major point of the activity is lost
Dependent Personality Disorder-lack self confidence and are unable to function in an independent role
Avoidant Personality Disorder-is so sensitive to rejection, criticism, disapproval or shame that he or she appears
devastated by the slightest amount of disapproval.
TREATMENT MODALITIES FOR MENTAL ILLNESSES
There are many effective treatments available for mental illnesses because of research studies being done.
Medications and different types of psychosocial therapies can be used alone or in combination. The
treatment chosen for an individual is dependent on the diagnosis and severity of the illness. For severe
disorders, such as Schizophrenia, Depression, Bi-polar Affective Disorders, as well as some Anxiety
Disorders, a Doctor usually prescribes a combination of treatment therapies. These include:
Individual psychotherapy
Group therapy
Family therapy
Behavioural therapy
Psychopharmacology
Occupational therapy
Behaviour modification
Art therapy
Psychodrama, and at times
Electroconvulsive therapy, often referred to as ECT or “shock” therapy, this can be very effective for persons
suffering from severe depression and suicidal ideation, some of whom may not respond to other therapies.
WHO CAN HELP?
The following persons can;
Psychiatrist
Psychologists
Psychiatric Social Workers
Psychiatric Nurses
Mental Health Officers
Counselors
INTRODUCTION
A balanced mental disposition allows us to cope more effectively with the stresses of life. We can work more productively
and are better able to make a positive contribution to our communities. Preventing and treating mental and brain disorders
clears the way to achieve one’s full potential.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
While mental health can mean different things to different people, self-esteem and the capacity to care about others are
universally important components of mental health. Mentally healthy people understand that they are not perfect nor can
they be all things to all people. They experience a wide range of emotions including sadness, anger and frustration as well
as joy, love, and satisfaction. While we typically can handle life’s challenges and changes, we can reach out for help if we
are having difficulties dealing with major traumas and transitions – loss of loved ones, marriage difficulties, school work
problems and the prospects of retirement.
MENTAL HEALTH
DEFINITION
Most persons on hearing the expression Mental Health immediately conjure up in their minds-madness-what
Mental Health is NOT.
It is not mental illness which is the wide range of conditions ranging from anxiety and behavioural disorders to the
more serious e.g. schizophrenia.
Mental Health and physical health are inseparable, and we can say that there is no health without good mental
health.
So them what is mental health?
There is also the notion that mental health is defined along continuum ranging from a state of wellness to one end
to a state of illness at the other. So that all human beings will experience some form of mental ill health in their
lifetime. Think of moment of extreme anger, jealousy, personal loss or grief brining on a state of depression. All
these circumstance can precipitate which may not be considered normal
There is also the notion that mental health is defined along a continuum ranging from a state of wellness at one end
to a state of illness at the other. So that all human beings will experience some form of mental ill health in their
lifetime. Think of moments of extreme anger, jealousy, personal loss or grief brining on a state of depression. All
these circumstances can precipitate behaviours which may not be considered normal.
There is a Latin quotation: Ira Furor brevis est –anger is momentary madness.
WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES DESPLAYED BY THE MENTALLY HEALTHY PERSON
The ability to think
Ability to establish relationships of interdependence with others
The ability to be creative
The ability to find meaning to existence
The ability to adapt to change
The ability to manage crisis
The ability to empathise
HOW DOES THE MENTALLY HEALTHY PERSON FEEL ABOUT HIMSELF
He/she feels good about himself
He/she accepts self – although not self satisfied
He/she can look into self and examine self
He/she sees “self”in a realistic manner
He/she is aware of his/her capabilities and limitations
He/she does not over or underestimate him/herself
He/she has self respect
He/she possesses self esteem
He/she self confidene and self reliance
He/she is able to adapt and adjust
He/she works towards self realization
Set goals that are realistic.
MENTALLY HEALTHY, HOW DO YOU BEHAVE TOWARDS OTHERS
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You respect the feeling of others
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You welcome new ideas
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You are considerate toward others
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You have the ability to share
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You can feel a part of a group
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You have a mature conscience
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You maintain good inter and intrapersonal relationship
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You have the ability to cooperate and work with others.
HOW DO YOU BEHAVE AT THE WORKPLACE
™ You have an healthy attitude towards work
™ You do not shirk your responsibility
™ You display initiative
™ You demonstrate flexibility
™ You maintain a happy disposition
™ You have the ability to make your own decisions
™ You pursue a task to its end
™ You maintain an even temper
™ You exercise self control and self discipline.
HOW DOES THE MENTALLY HEALTHY PERSONS BEHAVE TOWARD FAMILY AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
The individualHas the ability to establish and maintain long and lasting friendships
Is able to give and receive love
Strives to maintain harmony in the home
Is not overwhelmed by challenges
Does not blame others for his failures
Has a sense of responsibility and commitment towards his/her, offspring's
Expresses emotions freely and displays sincerity in relationships
Strives to respond appropriately in all spheres
WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
Hereditary factors
™ Social upbringing
™ Family relationship
™ Having a well balanced personality-good sense of humour
™ Having a sense of security
™ Having good understanding of self
™ Has the ability to cope with stress
™ Has inner strength
™ He/she balance work with play.
™ He/she can analyze self
™ He/she has a sense of belonging
™ He/she has a belief in a “higher good”-a higher purpose –e.g. God
™ Other factors e.g. economic, social cultural
™ Healthy lifestyles e.g. avoidance of drugs, alcohol
WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
™ Risky behaviour e.g. sexual promiscuity or anything which might lead to trauma to the central nervous
system.
™ Ability to forgive others and to forgive oneself
™ The ability to deal with guilt.
NATIONAL IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH
There is a need for the country to foster the conditions for good mental health for its citizens – a right
which is entrenched in the constitution. Mental Health is important for economic and social development.
It is significant to:
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The prevention of crime and violence
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The maintenance of stability as it contributes to cohesive families which are the core unit of society
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The prevention of loss of production attributed to poor performance of the mentally ill
SIGNIFICANCE OF GOOD MENTAL HEALTH TO THE MANAGER
A worker who enjoys good mental health will-
Be the one most suitable for leadership roles and to be at team leader
Initiate change and also be flexible and resilient when change is imposed
Be able to accept criticism e.g. in their performance evaluation report and use it to improve their
performance
Show no gender bias when accepting instructions
Display no resentment with taking instructions from superiors younger than herself/himself.