MENTAL HEALTH

Having a positive outlook, being comfortable with yourself and others, and being able to meet life's challenges and demands.

Signs of Good Mental Health

In general people with good mental health: •Are realist about their strengths and weaknesses

•Are responsible for their personal behavior

•Avoid high risk behaviors, such as using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs

•Are open-minded and flexible

•Are fun loving and able to relax alone or with others.

•Respect both their own and others’ needs.

•Respect everyone’s value as a human being-including their own

•Invest time and energy into nourishing relationships

•Put their talents and abilities to good use

•View change as a challenge and an opportunity.

ROAD BLOCKS TO MENTAL HEALTHAll or nothing thinking.

Expecting the “worst” in others, or yourself.

Being a perfectionist.

Letting your actions or words betray your values.

-Many situations have “shades of gray.” Learn to recognize and accept these subtle degrees of difference.

- Look for the good, and you will be more likely to find it.

- Trying to be perfect or thinking you do it all often leads to frustration or failure. Remind yourself that no one is perfect. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

- Stand up for what you believe and know is right.

PROMOTING SELF IMAGE1) List your assets or strengths.2) Surround yourself with positive, supportive

people.3) Find something that you love to do, and do it

frequently.4) Stop making life a contest.5) Help someone else.

SELF ESTEEM??-The confidence and worth that you feel about

yourself.

-A person’s belief in his or her ability to succeed in a particular situation

Self Efficacy??

SELF ESTEEM Directly related to your overall health

Determines:

•How you feel mentally•How you feel physically•How you take care of yourself•Your health habits

HOW SELF ESTEEM IS CREATED Feedback

-messages from others that indicate who they think you are or what they think you are like.

Parents/Guardians

Other Adults

Caretakers

Siblings

Extended Family

Siblings

GrandparentsPeers

Teachers

Coaches

Friends

NONVERBAL MESSAGES

Hugs Pats on the back Frowned at you Ignored you Smiled at you

When you were little….

Now as a teen……..

•Peers response•Peers statements•Coaches •Teachers reactions•Friends•Media influences

SELF TALK Feedback from yourself.

Negative Self Talk:•Hurtful, non-constructive messages that you send yourself.

Constructive Criticism-•Learn to grow from that experience•Give yourself credit for achievements

ASSIGNMENT

Analyze

- Create two lists, one of positive feedback and one of negative feedback that you received in your childhood.

Describe how you think each kind of feedback affected your self image.

SAY THANKS Think of a caring adult in your family or

in the community or school who has been important in your life and has given you positive feedback.

Write a letter to this person, thanking him or her for caring.

Indicate in the letter how this positive feedback has affected your feelings and self worth.