20 Mental Health and Mental Illness Define the following term: Mental health a general term that refers to the normal functioning of emotional and intellectual

20Mental Health and Mental Illness

Define the following term:

Mental healtha general term that refers to the normal functioning of emotional and intellectual abilities.


1. Identify seven characteristics of mental healthThese are characteristics of a person who is mentally healthy: • Gets along with others • Adapts to change • Cares for self and others • Gives and accepts love • Deals with situations that cause stress, disappointment, and

frustration • Takes responsibility for decisions, feelings, and actions • Controls and fulfills desires and impulses in an appropriate

manner


Define the following terms:

Mental illnessa disease that affects a person’s ability to function at a normal level in the family, home, or community; often produces inappropriate behavior.

Situation responsea temporary condition that may be caused by a crisis, temporary changes in the brain, side effects from medications, interactions among medications, or severe change in the environment.


2. Identify four causes of mental illness

The following may cause or worsen mental illness: • Physical factors such as

• Illness• Disability• Aging• Substance abuse• Chemical imbalance

• Environmental factors such as weak family relationships or traumatic childhood experiences

• Heredity or family influence • Stress, including coping abilities



Fallacya false belief.


3. Distinguish between fact and fallacy concerning mental illness

REMEMBER:People who are mentally ill cannot control their illness and choose to be well. Mental illness is a disease like any other physical illness.


3. Distinguish between fact and fallacy concerning mental illness

REMEMBER:Mental retardation and mental illness are not the same thing. One common point, however, is that residents with either condition will need emotional support in addition to care and treatment.

20Mental Health and Mental Illness4. Explain the connection between mental and physical wellness

REMEMBER:Mentally healthy people can reduce stress and prevent some physical diseases. People with mental illness may experience more stress and therefore more illness.

20Mental Health and Mental Illness4. Explain the connection between mental and physical wellness

Think about this question:What do you do to reduce or relieve stress in your life?

20 Mental Health and Mental Illness

Transparency 20-1: Good Communication with Mentally Ill Residents

• Use simple, clear statements and normal tone of voice (not like speaking to children).

• Communicate respect and concern. • Sit or stand at normal distance. • Use posture that says you’re listening (body language). • Be honest and direct. • Avoid arguments. • Maintain eye contact. • Listen carefully.


5. List guidelines for communicating with mentally ill residents

Think about this question:Good communication is important with every resident. Why do you think it might take a special effort to maintain good communication with a mentally ill resident?



Defense mechanismsunconscious behaviors used to release tension or cope with stress.


6. Identify and define common defense mechanisms

The following are categories of defense mechanisms: • Denial • Projection • Displacement • Rationalization • Repression • Regression


6. Identify and define common defense mechanisms

REMEMBER:All people use defense mechanisms at some time, but mentally ill people tend to use them to a greater degree.



Anxietyuneasiness or fear, often about a situation or condition.

Phobiaan intense form of anxiety.

Claustrophobiathe fear of being in a confined space.



Panic disordera disorder in which a person is terrified for no apparent reason.

Obsessive-compulsive disordera disorder in which a person uses obsessive behavior to cope with anxiety.

Post-traumatic stress disorderan anxiety-related disorder brought on by a traumatic experience.



Apathylack of interest in activities.

Major depressiona serious mental illness which may cause mental, emotional, and physical pain and disability; if untreated, it may result in suicide.



Bipolar disorderillness which causes a person to swing from deep depression to extreme activity; also called manic depression.

Schizophreniabrain disorder which affects a person’s ability to think and communicate clearly.

Paranoid schizophreniaa brain disorder that centers mainly on hallucinations and delusions.

20Mental Health and Mental Illness7. Describe the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia

REMEMBER:Many signs of mental illness are simply extreme behaviors most people experience some of the time. Recognizing this might make it easier to understand mentally ill residents.


Transparency 20-2: Mental Diagnosis 1







Psychotherapya method of treating mental illness that involves talking about one’s problems with mental health professionals.


8. Explain how mental illness is treated

Mental illness can be treated. Common treatments include the following: • Medication• Psychotherapy• Electroconvulsive (shock) treatment—generally used only

when other treatments have not been successful• Psychosurgery, a kind of brain surgery, may improve chronic

mental disorders


8. Explain how mental illness is treated

REMEMBER:• Residents with mental illness have the right to participate in

the planning of their care just as any other resident. • Their private information must also be kept confidential, just

as the information of any other resident.


9. Explain your role in caring for residents who are mentally ill

The NA’s role in caring for residents who are mentally ill includes the following:• Observe residents for changes. Document and report. • Support the resident and family and friends. • Encourage residents to do as much for themselves as

possible.

20Mental Health and Mental Illness10. Identify important observations that should be made and reported

Report any of the following: • Changes in ability • Positive or negative mood changes (withdrawal) • Behavior changes • Comments about hurting self or others (including jokes)• Failure to take medication or medication errors • Real or imagined physical symptoms • Events, situations, or people that upset or excite residents



Substance abusethe use of legal or illegal drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol in a way that is harmful to the abuser or to others.


Transparency 20-5: Signs of Substance Abuse

• Changes in personality, moodiness, strange behavior, disruption of routines

• Irritability • Changes in physical appearance • Smell of cigarettes, liquor, or other substances • Reduced sense of smell • Unexplained changes in vital signs • Loss of appetite • Inability to function normally • Need for money • Confusion/forgetfulness • Blackouts or memory loss • Frequent accidents • Problems with family and friends


11. List the signs of substance abuse

REMEMBER:Illegal drugs are not the only substances that are abused. Even over-the-counter medications can be abused if too many are taken.



Think about this question:What substances commonly found in the home could be abused?



REMEMBER:Residents who do not have doctors’ orders against drinking alcohol and who live in a facility where alcoholic beverages are allowed may drink alcohol if they wish to do so. NAs should not make judgments or gossip.

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20 Mental Health and Mental Illness Define the following term: Mental health a general term that refers to the normal functioning of emotional and intellectual