Mental Health First AidMental Health First Aid

What are Mental Health Problems?What are Mental Health Problems?

There are a number of terms used to describe Mental Health There are a number of terms used to describe Mental Health problems: problems:

mental disorder mental disorder mental ill-health mental ill-health mental illness mental illness nervous exhaustionnervous exhaustion mental breakdown mental breakdown nervous breakdown nervous breakdown BurnoutBurnout cracked up cracked up stressed out stressed out psychopsycho

A A Mental Disorder Mental Disorder is a diagnosable is a diagnosable illness which causes major changes in a illness which causes major changes in a person’s thinking, emotional state and person’s thinking, emotional state and behaviour.behaviour.It also disrupts the person’s ability to study It also disrupts the person’s ability to study or work and carry out their usual personal or work and carry out their usual personal relationships.relationships.

What is a Mental Disorder?

How common are Mental Health How common are Mental Health problems?problems?

In any one year, one in five Australian adults In any one year, one in five Australian adults have enough symptoms to be diagnosable with a have enough symptoms to be diagnosable with a mental disordermental disorder

Type of DisorderType of Disorder MenMen WomenWomen AdultsAdults

Anxiety DisorderAnxiety Disorder 11.0%11.0% 18.0%18.0% 14.4%14.4%

Depressive DisorderDepressive Disorder 5.3%5.3% 7.1%7.1% 6.2%6.2%

Substance use DisorderSubstance use Disorder 7.0%7.0% 3.3%3.3% 5.1%5.1%

Psychotic DisorderPsychotic Disorder -- -- 1%1%

Any DisorderAny Disorder 18.0%18.0% 22.0%22.0% 20.0%20.0%

The following table shows the percentage of Australians who suffer from a common mental disorder in any one year

How common are Mental Health How common are Mental Health problems?problems?

The common mental disorders often occur The common mental disorders often occur in combinationin combination

For example, it is not unusual for a person For example, it is not unusual for a person with an anxiety disorder to also develop with an anxiety disorder to also develop depression, or for a person who is depression, or for a person who is depressed to misuse alcohol or other depressed to misuse alcohol or other drugsdrugs

Reasons for not seeking Reasons for not seeking Professional help for Mental IllnessProfessional help for Mental Illness 38% would prefer to manage the problem 38% would prefer to manage the problem

themselvesthemselves 18% don’t believe anything could help18% don’t believe anything could help 17% didn’t know where to get help17% didn’t know where to get help 14% were worried what others would think 14% were worried what others would think

of themof them

Leading causes of disease burden in Australians aged 15-24 yearsLeading causes of disease burden in Australians aged 15-24 years

RankRank MalesMales FemalesFemales

11 Anxiety and DepressionAnxiety and Depression Anxiety and DepressionAnxiety and Depression

22 Road Traffic AccidentsRoad Traffic Accidents AsthmaAsthma

33 SchizophreniaSchizophrenia MigraineMigraine

44 Suicide and self-inflicted injuriesSuicide and self-inflicted injuries Other genitourinary Other genitourinary conditionsconditions

55 Heroin or polydrug dependence and harmful Heroin or polydrug dependence and harmful useuse

SchizophreniaSchizophrenia

66 Alcohol dependence and harmful useAlcohol dependence and harmful use Road Traffic AccidentsRoad Traffic Accidents

77 MigraneMigrane Personality disordersPersonality disorders

88 Cannabis dependence and harmful useCannabis dependence and harmful use Bulimia nervosaBulimia nervosa

99 Personality disordersPersonality disorders Bipolar disorderBipolar disorder

1010 Bipolar disorderBipolar disorder Anorexia nervosaAnorexia nervosa

ALGEEALGEEWhen working with people with any type ofWhen working with people with any type ofmental illness, the following proceduremental illness, the following procedureshould be followed:should be followed:

1.1. AAssess risk of suicide or harmssess risk of suicide or harm2.2. LListen non-judgementallyisten non-judgementally3.3. GGive reassurance and informationive reassurance and information4.4. EEncourage the young person to get ncourage the young person to get

appropriate professional helpappropriate professional help5.5. EEncourage self-help strategiesncourage self-help strategies

DepressionDepression

DepressionDepression Depression (more commonly referred to as Clinical Depression (more commonly referred to as Clinical

Depression) usually lasts for at least two weeks and Depression) usually lasts for at least two weeks and affects the person’s ability to carry out their work or to affects the person’s ability to carry out their work or to have satisfying personal relationshipshave satisfying personal relationships

Clinical depression is a common but serious illness that Clinical depression is a common but serious illness that is often recurrentis often recurrent

Clinical depression affects around 5% of Australian Clinical depression affects around 5% of Australian adolescents aged 13-17 yearsadolescents aged 13-17 years

1 in 4 young people will have had clinical depression by 1 in 4 young people will have had clinical depression by the end of adolescencethe end of adolescence

What causes Depression?What causes Depression?

Depression has no single cause and often Depression has no single cause and often involves the interaction of many diverse involves the interaction of many diverse biological, psychological and social factorsbiological, psychological and social factors

DepressionDepression

People may develop depression as a result of People may develop depression as a result of significant trauma or distresssignificant trauma or distress

These may include:These may include:

Exposure to family of community violenceExposure to family of community violence Death of someone closeDeath of someone close

Long-term povertyLong-term poverty Divorce or separation of parentsDivorce or separation of parents

Physical, sexual or emotional abuse (this includes Physical, sexual or emotional abuse (this includes bullying or victimisation)bullying or victimisation)

Poor achievement at schoolPoor achievement at school

The side-effects of certain medications or drugsThe side-effects of certain medications or drugs The stress of having another mental disorder, such as The stress of having another mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, severe anxiety, alcohol abuse or drug schizophrenia, severe anxiety, alcohol abuse or drug abuseabuse

Pre-menstrual changes in hormone levelsPre-menstrual changes in hormone levels Lack of exposure to bright light in the winter monthsLack of exposure to bright light in the winter months

Who is most likely to develop Who is most likely to develop Depression?Depression?

Some people will develop depression in a distressing situation, Some people will develop depression in a distressing situation, whereas others in the same situation may notwhereas others in the same situation may not

Those most prone to developing depression are:Those most prone to developing depression are:

Adolescent girls and womenAdolescent girls and women Those with low self esteemThose with low self esteem Those who have a parent who has suffered from depressionThose who have a parent who has suffered from depression Those who are unpopular with their peers and have poor social Those who are unpopular with their peers and have poor social

skillsskills Those who tend to enterpret things that happen in a pessimistic wayThose who tend to enterpret things that happen in a pessimistic way Those who have had a difficult childhood (eg. Physical abuse, Those who have had a difficult childhood (eg. Physical abuse,

sexual abuse, neglect, over-strictness)sexual abuse, neglect, over-strictness)

The Depression ChecklistThe Depression Checklist If a person is clinically depressed they would have, for at least two weeks, If a person is clinically depressed they would have, for at least two weeks,

five or more of the following symptoms, including at least on of the first twofive or more of the following symptoms, including at least on of the first two

An unusually sad or irritable mood that does not go awayAn unusually sad or irritable mood that does not go away Loss of enjoyment and interest in activities that used to be enjoyableLoss of enjoyment and interest in activities that used to be enjoyable Lack of energy and tirednessLack of energy and tiredness Feeling worthless or feeling guilty when they are not really at faultFeeling worthless or feeling guilty when they are not really at fault Thinking about death a lot or wishing they were deadThinking about death a lot or wishing they were dead Difficulty concentrating or making decisionsDifficulty concentrating or making decisions Moving more slowly or, sometimes, becoming agitated and unable to settleMoving more slowly or, sometimes, becoming agitated and unable to settle Having sleeping difficulties or, sometimes, sleeping too muchHaving sleeping difficulties or, sometimes, sleeping too much Loss of interest in food or, sometimes, eating too much; changes in eating Loss of interest in food or, sometimes, eating too much; changes in eating

habits may lead to either weight loss or weight gainhabits may lead to either weight loss or weight gain

Depression Action PlanDepression Action Plan(ALGEE)(ALGEE)

Early intervention for depression is very importantEarly intervention for depression is very important Once a person has had an episode of depression they become Once a person has had an episode of depression they become

more prone to subsequent episodesmore prone to subsequent episodes

The following steps should be followed when dealing with The following steps should be followed when dealing with someone with depressionsomeone with depression

1.1. AAssess risk of suicide or harmssess risk of suicide or harm

2.2. LListen non-judgementallyisten non-judgementally

3.3. GGive reassurance and informationive reassurance and information

4.4. EEncourage the young person to get appropriate professional helpncourage the young person to get appropriate professional help

5.5. EEncourage self-help strategiesncourage self-help strategies

Anxiety DisordersAnxiety Disorders

Anxiety DisordersAnxiety Disorders Anxiety is something that everyone experiences. It can Anxiety is something that everyone experiences. It can

be quite useful in helping a person to avoid a dangerous be quite useful in helping a person to avoid a dangerous situation or to help motivate them to solve every day situation or to help motivate them to solve every day problems.problems.

An Anxiety Disorder will impair an individual rather than An Anxiety Disorder will impair an individual rather than assist themassist them

Anxiety Disorders differ from normal anxiety in the Anxiety Disorders differ from normal anxiety in the following ways:following ways:

It is longer lasting than normal anxietyIt is longer lasting than normal anxiety It is more extreme It is more extreme It interferes with the person’s work or relationshipsIt interferes with the person’s work or relationships

Types of Anxiety DisordersTypes of Anxiety Disorders

There are a number of different types of There are a number of different types of Anxiety Disorders. These include:Anxiety Disorders. These include:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Panic DisorderPanic Disorder Phobic Disorders (Agoraphobia and Social Phobia)Phobic Disorders (Agoraphobia and Social Phobia) Separation Anxiety DisorderSeparation Anxiety Disorder Acute Stress Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Acute Stress Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Generalised Anxiety DisorderGeneralised Anxiety Disorder

People with GAD worry excessively about school, People with GAD worry excessively about school, money, health, appearance, sports and other regular money, health, appearance, sports and other regular activities, even when there are no signs of troubleactivities, even when there are no signs of trouble

Physical Symptoms include fast or pounding heart, Physical Symptoms include fast or pounding heart, headaches, stomach pains, tremors, muscle tension, headaches, stomach pains, tremors, muscle tension, dizziness, sweating and dry mouthdizziness, sweating and dry mouth

Psychological Symptoms include excessive worry, Psychological Symptoms include excessive worry, irritability, restlessness, feeling on edge and difficulty irritability, restlessness, feeling on edge and difficulty concentratingconcentrating

Panic DisorderPanic Disorder A person with a panic disorder suffers from panic attacks and is afraid that a panic A person with a panic disorder suffers from panic attacks and is afraid that a panic

attack might occurattack might occur A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense apprehension, fear or terrorA panic attack is a sudden onset of intense apprehension, fear or terror These attacks can begin suddenly and develop rapidlyThese attacks can begin suddenly and develop rapidly This intense fear is inappropriate for the circumstances in which it is occurringThis intense fear is inappropriate for the circumstances in which it is occurring

Symptoms of a panic attack include:Symptoms of a panic attack include: Increased heartbeatIncreased heartbeat SweatingSweating Trembling or shakingTrembling or shaking Feeling of choking, shortness or breath or smotheringFeeling of choking, shortness or breath or smothering Chest pain or discomfortChest pain or discomfort Nausea or abdominal distressNausea or abdominal distress Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light headed or faintFeeling dizzy, unsteady, light headed or faint Numbness, tingling or pins and needlesNumbness, tingling or pins and needles Chills or hot flushesChills or hot flushes

Phobic DisordersPhobic Disorders A young person with a phobia avoids or restricts A young person with a phobia avoids or restricts

activities because of fearactivities because of fear This fear appears persistent, excessive and This fear appears persistent, excessive and

unreasonableunreasonable They may have an unreasonably strong fear of They may have an unreasonably strong fear of

specific places or events and often avoid them specific places or events and often avoid them completelycompletely

Agoraphobia Agoraphobia involves avoidance of situations because involves avoidance of situations because of fear of a panic attack occurring. They may avoid of fear of a panic attack occurring. They may avoid leaving home or certain situationsleaving home or certain situations

Social Phobia Social Phobia is the fear of any situation where public is the fear of any situation where public scrutiny may be possible, usually with the fear of scrutiny may be possible, usually with the fear of behaving in a way that is embarrassing or humiliatingbehaving in a way that is embarrassing or humiliating

Specific Phobias Specific Phobias involve a fear of something specific involve a fear of something specific such as spiders or snakes.such as spiders or snakes.

Separation Anxiety DisorderSeparation Anxiety Disorder

A person with separation anxiety disorder A person with separation anxiety disorder shows excessive anxiety about being shows excessive anxiety about being separated from home or from a parent or separated from home or from a parent or caregivercaregiver

The person will worry about losing the The person will worry about losing the loved one or about harm happening to loved one or about harm happening to themthem

Acute Stress Disorder and Post Acute Stress Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress DisorderTraumatic Stress Disorder

Acute stress disorder and post traumatic stress disorder Acute stress disorder and post traumatic stress disorder occur after a distressing or catastrophic eventoccur after a distressing or catastrophic event

This event may involve actual or threatened death, or This event may involve actual or threatened death, or serious injuryserious injury

Alternatively, it may involve witnessing such an event or Alternatively, it may involve witnessing such an event or learning about such an experience of a family member or learning about such an experience of a family member or close friendclose friend

In Acute Stress Disorder the person gets over the event In Acute Stress Disorder the person gets over the event within a monthwithin a month

In Post Traumatic Stress Disorder the distress lasts In Post Traumatic Stress Disorder the distress lasts longerlonger

Obsessive Compulsive DisorderObsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD)(OCD)

This form of Anxiety disorder is the least This form of Anxiety disorder is the least common but is a very disabling conditioncommon but is a very disabling condition

Obsessive thoughts and behaviours Obsessive thoughts and behaviours accompany the feelings of anxietyaccompany the feelings of anxiety

Obsessive thoughts are usually about fear Obsessive thoughts are usually about fear of contamination or harmof contamination or harm

Common compulsions include the need to Common compulsions include the need to wash, check things over and over and wash, check things over and over and countingcounting

What causes anxiety disorders?What causes anxiety disorders? People more at risk of developing Anxiety Disorders include:People more at risk of developing Anxiety Disorders include: Those who had a very anxious parentThose who had a very anxious parent Those with amore sensitive emotional nature who tend to see the Those with amore sensitive emotional nature who tend to see the

world as threateningworld as threatening Girls and womenGirls and women Other causes include:Other causes include: People who had a difficult childhood (ie. abuse)People who had a difficult childhood (ie. abuse) Family is poor and lacks job skillsFamily is poor and lacks job skills Alcohol problems in the parentsAlcohol problems in the parents Certain prescription drugsCertain prescription drugs Other non prescription drugs such as caffeine, cocaine, ecstasy and Other non prescription drugs such as caffeine, cocaine, ecstasy and

speedspeed

Action plan for Anxiety DisordersAction plan for Anxiety Disorders

1.1. Assess risk of suicide or harmAssess risk of suicide or harmPeople with Anxiety Disorders have a higher People with Anxiety Disorders have a higher risk of suicide, especially if depression is risk of suicide, especially if depression is present also.present also.

1.1. Listen non-judgementallyListen non-judgementally2.2. Give reassurance and informationGive reassurance and information3.3. Encourage the young person to get Encourage the young person to get

appropriate professional helpappropriate professional help4.4. Encourage self-help strategiesEncourage self-help strategies

PsychosisPsychosis

PsychosisPsychosis

Psychosis is a general term used to Psychosis is a general term used to describe a mental health problem in which describe a mental health problem in which a person has lost some contact with realitya person has lost some contact with reality

There are severe disturbances in thinking, There are severe disturbances in thinking, emotion and behaviouremotion and behaviour

Psychosis severely disrupts a person’s lifePsychosis severely disrupts a person’s life Relationships, work and self-care are Relationships, work and self-care are

difficult to initiate and/or maintaindifficult to initiate and/or maintain

PsychosisPsychosis

The main types of Psychotic illnesses The main types of Psychotic illnesses include:include:

SchizophreniaSchizophrenia Bipolar DisorderBipolar Disorder Psychotic DepressionPsychotic Depression Schizoaffective DisorderSchizoaffective Disorder Drug-induced PsychosisDrug-induced Psychosis

SchizophreniaSchizophrenia The term Schizophrenia means ‘fractured mind’ and refers to The term Schizophrenia means ‘fractured mind’ and refers to

changes in mental function where thoughts and perceptions become changes in mental function where thoughts and perceptions become disordereddisordered

The major symptoms of Schizophrenia include:The major symptoms of Schizophrenia include: Delusions: These are false beliefs of persecution, guilt, special Delusions: These are false beliefs of persecution, guilt, special

mission or being under outside controlmission or being under outside control Hallucinations: These are false perceptions that often involve Hallucinations: These are false perceptions that often involve

hearing voices but can also involve seeing, feeling, tasting or hearing voices but can also involve seeing, feeling, tasting or smelling thingssmelling things

Thinking DifficultiesThinking Difficulties Loss of DriveLoss of Drive Blunted emotionsBlunted emotions Social withdrawlSocial withdrawl

Bipolar DisorderBipolar Disorder People suffering from Bipolar Disorder (manic depressive illness) People suffering from Bipolar Disorder (manic depressive illness)

have extreme mood swings, fluctuating between periods of have extreme mood swings, fluctuating between periods of depression, mania and normal mooddepression, mania and normal mood

Common symptoms of mania include:Common symptoms of mania include: Increased energy or overactivityIncreased energy or overactivity Elated moodElated mood Needing less sleep than normalNeeding less sleep than normal Irritability Irritability Rapid thinking and speechRapid thinking and speech Lack of inhibitionsLack of inhibitions Grandiose Delusions (very inflated self esteem, belief they are Grandiose Delusions (very inflated self esteem, belief they are

superhuman, especially talented, etc)superhuman, especially talented, etc) Lack of insightLack of insight

Psychotic DepressionPsychotic Depression

Sometimes depression can be so intense Sometimes depression can be so intense it causes psychotic symptomsit causes psychotic symptoms

For example, the person may have For example, the person may have delusions involving guilt, severe physical delusions involving guilt, severe physical illness or hopelessnessillness or hopelessness

Schizoaffective DisorderSchizoaffective Disorder

This is where the person displays This is where the person displays symptoms associated with both symptoms associated with both Schizophrenia and Bipolar DisorderSchizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Drug-induced PsychosisDrug-induced Psychosis This is a psychosis brought on by the use of This is a psychosis brought on by the use of

drugsdrugs The symptoms usually appear quickly and last a The symptoms usually appear quickly and last a

short time (from a few hours to days) until the short time (from a few hours to days) until the effects of the drug wears offeffects of the drug wears off

The most common symptoms are visual The most common symptoms are visual hallucinations, disorientation and memory hallucinations, disorientation and memory problemsproblems

Drugs that cause psychosis are Cannais, Drugs that cause psychosis are Cannais, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Amphetamines (speed) and Cocaine, Ecstasy, Amphetamines (speed) and Magic MushroomsMagic Mushrooms

What causes Psychosis?What causes Psychosis?

It is believed psychosis is caused by a It is believed psychosis is caused by a combination of factors including genetics, combination of factors including genetics, biochemistry, stress and unknown factorsbiochemistry, stress and unknown factors

Importance of early intervention for Importance of early intervention for PsychosisPsychosis

Unfortunately, diagnosis of Psychosis is often difficult and takes a Unfortunately, diagnosis of Psychosis is often difficult and takes a long timelong time

The consequences of delayed treatment include:The consequences of delayed treatment include: Slower and less complete recoverySlower and less complete recovery Poorer long term functioningPoorer long term functioning Increased risk of depression and suicideIncreased risk of depression and suicide Slower maturing psychologicallySlower maturing psychologically Strain on relationships with friends and family and subsequent loss Strain on relationships with friends and family and subsequent loss

of social supportof social support Disruption of study and employmentDisruption of study and employment Increased use of alcohol and drugsIncreased use of alcohol and drugs Loss of self esteem and confidenceLoss of self esteem and confidence Greater change of problems with the lawGreater change of problems with the law

Action plan for PsychosisAction plan for Psychosis

1.1. Assess risk of suicide or harmAssess risk of suicide or harm

2.2. Listen non-judgementallyListen non-judgementally

3.3. Give reassurance and informationGive reassurance and information

4.4. Encourage the young person to get Encourage the young person to get appropriate professional helpappropriate professional help

5.5. Encourage self-help strategiesEncourage self-help strategies

Substance Use DisorderSubstance Use Disorder

Substance use DisorderSubstance use Disorder

Using Alcohol or Drugs does not in itself qualify Using Alcohol or Drugs does not in itself qualify a person for a substance use disordera person for a substance use disorder

Substance use disorders include any of the Substance use disorders include any of the following:following:

Dependence on alcohol or a drugDependence on alcohol or a drug Use of alcohol or a drug which leads to problems Use of alcohol or a drug which leads to problems

at work, school or home or to legal problemsat work, school or home or to legal problems Use of alcohol or a drug at a level which is Use of alcohol or a drug at a level which is

causing damage to healthcausing damage to health

Symptoms of Substance use Symptoms of Substance use DisorderDisorder

Symptoms include:Symptoms include:

Tolerance for the substance (person needs increased amounts over Tolerance for the substance (person needs increased amounts over time or gets less effect with repeated use)time or gets less effect with repeated use)

Problems in withdrawal (person experiences withdrawal symptoms Problems in withdrawal (person experiences withdrawal symptoms or uses the substance to relieve withdrawal symptoms)or uses the substance to relieve withdrawal symptoms)

Use of larger amounts or over longer periods than intendedUse of larger amounts or over longer periods than intended Problems in cutting down or controlling useProblems in cutting down or controlling use A lot of tie is spent getting the substance, using it or recovering from A lot of tie is spent getting the substance, using it or recovering from

its effectsits effects The person gives up or reduces social, occupational or recreational The person gives up or reduces social, occupational or recreational

activities because of substance useactivities because of substance use The person continues using the substance despite suffering from its The person continues using the substance despite suffering from its

ill effectsill effects

Substance use Disorder StatisticsSubstance use Disorder Statistics

Type of DisorderType of Disorder MalesMales FemalesFemales All PersonsAll Persons

AlcoholAlcohol 9.4%9.4% 3.7%3.7% 6.5%6.5%

CannabisCannabis 2.7%2.7% 0.8%0.8% 1.7%1.7%

StimulantsStimulants 0.3%0.3% 0.1%0.1% 0.3%0.3%

SedativesSedatives 0.4%0.4% 0.4%0.4% 0.4%0.4%

OpioidsOpioids 0.2%0.2% 0.2%0.2% 0.2%0.2%

Any substance Any substance use disorderuse disorder

11.1%11.1% 4.5%4.5% 7.7%7.7%

Percentage of Australian adults who suffer from a substance use disorder in any year

What causes substance use What causes substance use disorders?disorders?

Different substances affect the brain in different Different substances affect the brain in different waysways

People use substances because of these People use substances because of these effects, which include increasing feelings of effects, which include increasing feelings of pleasure or decreasing feelings of distresspleasure or decreasing feelings of distress

Substance use typically starts in adolescence or Substance use typically starts in adolescence or young adulthoodyoung adulthood

If a person has not started using a substance by If a person has not started using a substance by age 30, then it is unlikely that they will develop a age 30, then it is unlikely that they will develop a substance use disordersubstance use disorder

Causes of alcohol use disordersCauses of alcohol use disorders

There is no single cause for alcohol use disorders rather, There is no single cause for alcohol use disorders rather, there are many factors that contribute to a person’s there are many factors that contribute to a person’s chance of developing alcohol use disorderschance of developing alcohol use disorders

These include:These include: Availability and tolerance of alcohol in society Availability and tolerance of alcohol in society Social factors (work environments/occupation, friendship Social factors (work environments/occupation, friendship

group)group) Genetic predisposition (those with a biological parent Genetic predisposition (those with a biological parent

who has an alcohol use disorder are more predisposed)who has an alcohol use disorder are more predisposed) Alcohol sensitivity (some people do not feel the effects of Alcohol sensitivity (some people do not feel the effects of

alcohol as much so consume larger amounts)alcohol as much so consume larger amounts)

Action plan for substance use Action plan for substance use disorderdisorder

1.1. Assess risk of suicide or harmAssess risk of suicide or harm

2.2. Listen non-judgementallyListen non-judgementally

3.3. Give reassurance and informationGive reassurance and information

4.4. Encourage the young person to get Encourage the young person to get appropriate professional helpappropriate professional help

5.5. Encourage self-help strategiesEncourage self-help strategies

Eating DisordersEating Disorders

Eating DisordersEating Disorders

Eating disorders involve a disturbance of eating Eating disorders involve a disturbance of eating habits or weight control behaviour which results habits or weight control behaviour which results in impairments to physical health or which affect in impairments to physical health or which affect the person’s psychological and social the person’s psychological and social functioningfunctioning

Eating disorders occur in people who over Eating disorders occur in people who over evaluate their body shape and weightevaluate their body shape and weight

The three main types of eating disorders are The three main types of eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Atypical eating disorderseating disorders

Anorexia NervosaAnorexia Nervosa Anorexia Nervosa is characterised by extreme dieting Anorexia Nervosa is characterised by extreme dieting

and weight control to the point of starvationand weight control to the point of starvation Although extremely underweight, people with Anorexia Although extremely underweight, people with Anorexia

Nervosa perceive themselves to be overweight or not Nervosa perceive themselves to be overweight or not thin enoughthin enough

They see the extreme weight loss as success not as a They see the extreme weight loss as success not as a problem so they are not motivated to change their problem so they are not motivated to change their behaviourbehaviour

About 90% of people who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa About 90% of people who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa are femaleare female

Anorexia is not common, affecting less than 1% of Anorexia is not common, affecting less than 1% of teenage girlsteenage girls

Characteristics of Anorexia Characteristics of Anorexia NervosaNervosa

Over evaluation of body shape or weight, so that self worth is largely Over evaluation of body shape or weight, so that self worth is largely judged in these termsjudged in these terms

Maintaining a very low body weight (ie. BMI Maintaining a very low body weight (ie. BMI ≤ 17.5)≤ 17.5) Loss of menstrual periods in females who have reached pubertyLoss of menstrual periods in females who have reached puberty Obsessive concern about body weight, shape or dietingObsessive concern about body weight, shape or dieting Unrealistic beliefs about being fat or extreme fear of gaining weightUnrealistic beliefs about being fat or extreme fear of gaining weight Cutting out foods that were once enjoyedCutting out foods that were once enjoyed Excessively exercisingExcessively exercising Inducing vomiting or using laxativesInducing vomiting or using laxatives Avoiding meal times with othersAvoiding meal times with others Excessively analysing food labels, or counting kilojoules from food Excessively analysing food labels, or counting kilojoules from food

and exerciseand exercise

Bulimia NervosaBulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by periods of extreme dieting and weight periods of extreme dieting and weight control followed by periods of uncontrolled control followed by periods of uncontrolled overeating or binge eatingovereating or binge eating

Bulimia Nervosa mostly affects femalesBulimia Nervosa mostly affects females It is more common than Anorexia Nervosa, It is more common than Anorexia Nervosa,

affecting 1-2% of young womenaffecting 1-2% of young women

Characteristics of Bulimia NervosaCharacteristics of Bulimia Nervosa

Over-evaluation of body shape or weightOver-evaluation of body shape or weight Repeated episodes of uncontrolled over Repeated episodes of uncontrolled over

eating eating Extreme weight control behaviour, e.g. Extreme weight control behaviour, e.g.

extreme dieting, frequent use of vomiting extreme dieting, frequent use of vomiting or laxatives to control weight or excessive or laxatives to control weight or excessive use of exerciseuse of exercise

Do not meet the characteristics of Do not meet the characteristics of AnorexiaAnorexia

Atypical Eating DisordersAtypical Eating Disorders Atypical eating disorders involve over evaluation of body Atypical eating disorders involve over evaluation of body

shape or weight but do not fit the full pattern of either shape or weight but do not fit the full pattern of either Anorexia or BulimiaAnorexia or Bulimia

People can move between showing the patterns of People can move between showing the patterns of Anorexia, Bulimia and Atypical eating disordersAnorexia, Bulimia and Atypical eating disorders

The Atypical pattern is actually more common than either The Atypical pattern is actually more common than either anorexia or bulimiaanorexia or bulimia

A common atypical eating disorder is Binge eating A common atypical eating disorder is Binge eating disorderdisorder

This is characterised by compulsive overeating similar to This is characterised by compulsive overeating similar to BulimiaBulimia

However, does not involve purging and is often However, does not involve purging and is often associated with overweight and obesityassociated with overweight and obesity

What causes Eating Disorders?What causes Eating Disorders? As for other mental disorders, there is no single causeAs for other mental disorders, there is no single cause A range of biological, psychological and social factors contributeA range of biological, psychological and social factors contribute The following will increase the likelihood of a person developing an eating The following will increase the likelihood of a person developing an eating

disorder:disorder: Family members with an eating disorder or other mental disorder such as Family members with an eating disorder or other mental disorder such as

depression or alcohol misusedepression or alcohol misuse Conflict at homeConflict at home Physical, sexual or emotional abusePhysical, sexual or emotional abuse Family dietingFamily dieting Critical comments from others about weight or appearanceCritical comments from others about weight or appearance Pressure to be slim because of occupation or recreationPressure to be slim because of occupation or recreation Low self esteemLow self esteem Perfectionism Perfectionism AnxietyAnxiety ObesityObesity Early start of periodsEarly start of periods

Non-Suicidal Self InjuryNon-Suicidal Self Injury

Non-Suicidal Self InjuryNon-Suicidal Self Injury(NSSI)(NSSI)

Self injury (NSSI) is a behaviour and not an Self injury (NSSI) is a behaviour and not an illnessillness

People self injure to cope with distress or to People self injure to cope with distress or to communicate that they are distressedcommunicate that they are distressed

Types of self injury include self poisoning or Types of self injury include self poisoning or overdosing, minor injury and more potentially overdosing, minor injury and more potentially dangerous and life threatening forms of injurydangerous and life threatening forms of injury

If a person self injures, this does not mean that If a person self injures, this does not mean that they want to end their life however, the person they want to end their life however, the person may be suicidal in some casesmay be suicidal in some cases

Causes of NSSICauses of NSSI There are a wide range of reasons why people There are a wide range of reasons why people

self harm. These include:self harm. These include: To escape from unbearable distressTo escape from unbearable distress To change other people’s behaviourTo change other people’s behaviour To escape from a difficult situationTo escape from a difficult situation To show their distress to othersTo show their distress to others To get back at other people and make them feel To get back at other people and make them feel

guiltyguilty To get relief of tensionTo get relief of tension To get help from othersTo get help from others

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

People with the following PersonalPeople with the following PersonalCharacteristics may be at risk of developingCharacteristics may be at risk of developingNSSI:NSSI: Social Disadvantage:Social Disadvantage: Low income, low Low income, low

socioeconomic status and living in povertysocioeconomic status and living in poverty Gay, lesbian or bisexual:Gay, lesbian or bisexual: Same sex Same sex

attraction increases risk, particularly attraction increases risk, particularly around the time that they realise that they around the time that they realise that they are not heterosexualare not heterosexual

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Social and family environment:Social and family environment: Adverse childhood experiences:Adverse childhood experiences: Risk is Risk is

greater in children of separated or greater in children of separated or divorced parents or where there is conflict divorced parents or where there is conflict at homeat home

Social Isolation:Social Isolation: Having good social Having good social support and people to confide in reduce support and people to confide in reduce riskrisk

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Psychological CharacteristicsPsychological Characteristics Impulsive:Impulsive: A tendency to act without A tendency to act without

reflecting fully on the consequences reflecting fully on the consequences increases riskincreases risk

Poor problem solving skillsPoor problem solving skills Prone to emotional distressProne to emotional distress

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Biological Characteristics:Biological Characteristics: Genetic Vulnerability: Genetic Vulnerability: Mental disorders Mental disorders

in parents increase riskin parents increase risk Brain Functioning: Brain Functioning: Chemical changes in Chemical changes in

the brain can increase risk for NSSIthe brain can increase risk for NSSI

Risk FactorsRisk Factors

Situational Factors:Situational Factors: Adverse life events:Adverse life events: Bad things happening in a Bad things happening in a

person’s life can trigger NSSIperson’s life can trigger NSSI Media Influence:Media Influence: If suicide or self injury is If suicide or self injury is

publicised in the mediapublicised in the media Self injury in peers:Self injury in peers: Incidents of self injury can Incidents of self injury can

occur in a cluster of people around the same occur in a cluster of people around the same time as they are influenced by each othertime as they are influenced by each other

Alcohol Intoxication:Alcohol Intoxication: Alcohol increases the risk Alcohol increases the risk by making people more impulsive and by making people more impulsive and exacerbating anxiety and depressionexacerbating anxiety and depression

More Pictures Drawn by People More Pictures Drawn by People with Mental Illnesswith Mental Illness

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Pain and Agony

Vanessa R