2. What is mental health? Absence of mental illness Positive mental health Mental well-being

3. Characteristics of Mental Health (Hilgard & Atkinson, 1975) Efficient perception of reality Self Knowledge Ability to exercise voluntary control over behavior Self-esteem and acceptance Ability to form affectionate relationships Productivity

4. The Challenges of College The best years of your life? Expectations.. Even positive change is stressful Greater academic demands Unstructured time Decreased adult availability Being on your own in a new environment Changing relations with family

5. Challenges of College: Choices Alcohol and other drugs Sex-identity, values, practices Food Sleep Balancing Academic and Extracurricular Roommates

6. Common problems Relationship problems Depression Anxiety Eating Disorders Substance Abuse Sleep Problems

7. Depression Common, often unrecognized Emotional: sadness, loss of pleasure, feeling hopeless/worthless, irritability, weeping Mental: poor concentration,loss of interest Physical: Sleep disturbance, appetite change, “aches and pains” Symptoms persist beyond two weeks

8. Anxiety Situational Developmental Generalized anxiety disorder Performance Panic disorder, OCD, phobias

9. Alcohol

10. Sleep Problems 35% of adult population experience insomnia 11% of college students get a “good night’s sleep” Loss of cognitive functioning, driving Increased risk of depression < 7 hours yields sleep deprivation