Mental Disorder - an illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person.

Unit 3: Mental/Emotional Health

Mental/Emotional Problems

People are reluctant to seek treatment for mental/emotional problems because of:

• Embarrassment or shame• Stigma or a negative label• Misconceptions and stereotypes

Classifications of Mental Disorders

Organic Disorder

It is caused by a physicalillness or an injury that affects the brain.

Possible causes:

Brain tumorsInfectionsChemical imbalancesExposure to drugs and toxinsInjuries resulting in brain damage

Functional Disorder

It has a psychological causeand does not involve brain damage.

Possible causes:

HeredityStressEmotional conflictFearIneffective coping skillsDisturbing events in childhood or in the recent past

Types :

1. General Anxiety

2. Phobias

3. Obsessive-compulsive disorders

4. Panic disorders

5. Post-traumatic stress disorders

Anxiety Disorder is a condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control.

General Anxiety - the condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen all the time.

Symptoms:• Feelings of fear or wanting perfection

• Perspiration, restlessness, or muscle tension

• Rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath

• Difficulty sleeping

Phobia- a strong and irrational fear of something specific.

People with phobias try to avoid what they are afraid of. If they cannot, they may experience:

• Panic and fear • Rapid heartbeat • Shortness of breath • Trembling • A strong desire to get away

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Obsessive refers to persistent, recurrent, and unwanted

thoughts that prevent people from attending to normal

daily activities.

• Compulsive refers to repeated, irresistible behaviors.

Panic Disorder

• Sudden, unexplained feelings of terror.

• These panic attacks may occur at any time or place, but most are triggered by a particular object, condition, or situation.

• Symptoms include trembling, pounding heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

May develop after the exposure to a terrifying event that threatened or caused physical harm.

Mood Disorder

An illness that is organic by nature that affects your mind with extreme moods, and interferes with daily activities.

Symptoms:

• An irritable or restless mood

• Withdrawal from friends and activities

• A change in appetite or weight

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• A sense of hopelessness

Depression - a prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness.

2 Types of Depression

Reactive Depression

It is a response to a stressful

event.

It eventually goes away as the

person finds a way to manage

his or her response to the event.

Major (clinical) Depression

Medical condition

More serious

It may result from a chemical

imbalance in the brain or a genetic

tendency.

Mood Disorders

• Tend to feel euphoric

• May believe they can accomplish anything

• Inflated self-esteem

• Agitation

Bipolar Disorder - extreme mood swings from depression to mania. Bipolar disorder is very serious and can cause risky behavior, even suicidal tendencies.

• Reduced need for sleep

• Being more talkative

• Being easily distracted

• Sense of racing thoughts

During a Manic Phase:

Eating Disorders

Possible Causes:• Psychological Pressures• Possible Genetic Factors• Obsession with body image and thinness

1. Anorexia Nervosa2. Bulimia Nervosa

3. Binge Eating

Conduct Disorders –a pattern of behavior in which the rights of others or basic social rules are violated.

• Individuals who act out their impulses toward others

Schizophrenia - a severe mental disorder in which a person loses contact with reality.

Symptoms:• Delusions• Hallucinations• Thought disorders• Paranoia

Personality DisordersPeople afflicted with Personality Disorders think and behave in ways that make it difficult for them to get along with others.

1. Passive - Aggressive - often uncooperative. They resent being told

what to do, yet they rely on others’ direction.

They are angry over issues of control.

2. Borderline - long-term patterns of unstable or turbulent emotions, such as feelings about themselves and others.

• Often uncertain about their identity. As a result, their interests and values may change rapidly.

• These inner experiences often cause them to take impulsive actions and have chaotic relationships.

3. Antisocial - tend to be irritable, aggressive, impulsive,

and violent. A person with antisocial personality disorder may:

• Be able to act witty and charming• Be good at flattery and manipulating other people's emotions• Break the law repeatedly• Disregard the safety of self and others• Have problems with substance abuse• Lie, steal, and fight often• Not show guilt or remorse• Often be angry or arrogant

Suicide Prevention

Why Do People Feel Suicidal?

Challenges, responsibilities, and troubling life events can seem overwhelming.

This emotional overload can lead to depression or alienation.

Some people try to escape their pain through suicide.

Suicide Risk Factors

• Depression or other mental disorders

• Alcohol or drug abuse

• History of physical or sexual abuse

• History of other suicide attempts

• Family history of emotional disorders or suicides

Teen Suicide: Recognizing the Warning Signs:

How You Can Help Prevent Suicide

• Whether it is done in a serious casual or even humorous way S/he should be taken seriously.

• Recognize the warning signs of suicide.

• Never bargain with someone who is thinking about suicide.• Seek adult assistance immediately

• Initiate a meaningful conversation.

• Emphasize the suicide is not the answer

• Try to persuade the person to seek help.

Cluster Suicides - a series of suicides occurring within a short period of time and involving several people in the same school or community.

• A result of pacts or agreements between two or more people to take part in suicide.

• Others result when individuals commit suicide in response to the suicide of a friend or a suicide that has been sensationalized in the media.

When to Seek Help for Mental/Emotional Problems

Mental Disorders are serious and require medical attention just as other illnesses do.

The Key is Awareness:

• You feel trapped with no way out, or you worry all the time.

• Your feelings affect your sleep, eating habits, school work, job performance, or relationships.

• You are becoming involved with alcohol or other drugs.

• You are becoming increasingly aggressive, violent, or reckless.

Mental Health Professionals• Psychiatrists

• Psychologists

• School psychologists

• Social Workers

• Counselors

• Crisis hot lines

Commonly Used Therapy Methods

Psychotherapy – ongoing dialogue between a patient and a mental health professional.

Behavior Therapy – focuses on changing unwanted behaviors through rewards and reinforcements.

Cognitive Therapy – designed to identify and correct distorted thinking patterns

Group Therapy – treating a group of people who have similar mental disorders.

Biomedical Therapy – use of certain medicationsto treat or reduce symptoms of mental disorders.

Grief Response - an individual’s total response to a major loss.

Mourning – the act of showing sorrow or grief.

The Stages of the Grieving Process :

• DENIAL• EMOTIONAL RELEASES• ANGER• BARGAINING• DEPRESSION • REMORSE • ACCEPTANCE - Your goal

HOPE can be experienced during any of these stages

Coping With Crisis or Disaster

1. Spend time with other people, and discuss your feelings.

2. Get back to daily routines as quickly as possible.

3. Eat nutritious foods, exercise, and get enough rest and sleep.

4. Do something with your community to help with the crisis.