Looking after your Mental Health Dr. John Hillery Consultant Psychiatrist

No Health without Mental Health Poor mental health effects: Social Functioning Cognitive Functioning Work Functioning Bodies Resistance Bodies Recovery Capacity Society

Mental Health Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder. It is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. WHO

Healthy ------- Discomfort -------- Ill Health -------- Illness Mental Health A Continuum Healthy ------- Discomfort -------- Ill Health -------- Illness

Anxiety & Performance

Mental Health & Cancer Direct Relationship Not Proven Indirect Links Effect on Course of Illness

Cancer & Mental Health Adjustment Disorder Panic Disorder Phobias Obsessive- compulsive Disorder Post Traumatic Stress disorder Generalised Anxiety Disorder Anxiety Disorder caused by other Medical Conditions Depression

What to do? Promoting Your Mental Health Look after your basic needs first: Eat & Sleep Listen to your body & use your breathing Have the courage to be imperfect & set realistic goals Alcohol in moderation & responsibly www.mentalhealthireland.ie www.psihq.ie http://www.yourmentalhealth.ie/minding_your_mental_health

What to do? Promoting Your Mental Health Take time out for yourself, lose yourself Sign up for that course, join that club, volunteer Be active everyday in as many ways as you can Spend time with people who make you feel good www.mentalhealthireland.ie www.psihq.ie http://www.yourmentalhealth.ie/minding_your_mental_health

What to do? Promoting Your Mental Health Laugh out loud each day Share the work-load, get everyone involved Try to be positive and focus on things you can control Think about how you think Talk about your troubles and seek help early www.mentalhealthireland.ie www.psihq.ie http://www.yourmentalhealth.ie/minding_your_mental_health

What to do? Preventing Ill Health Watch Your Physical Health Diet Habits Exercise Life Balance Changing Mindsets Meditation http://www.tm-ireland.org/ Mindfullness http://www.mindfulness.com/ Reframing Thoughts http://www.themindgym.com/

Recognising Illness The experiencing of severe and distressing psychological symptoms to the extent that normal functioning is seriously impaired. http://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/information

Recognising Depression Having a depressed mood for most of the day and on most days. Loss of pleasure and interest in most activities. Changes in eating and sleeping habits. Nervousness or sluggishness. Tiredness. Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt. Poor concentration. Constant thoughts of death or suicide.

What to do? Treating Illness Getting help Medical Assessment Listening Counselling Psychotherapy Medication Recovery Approach

What to Do? Helping Others Listen. Facilitate Involvement. Encourage. Don’t Preach. Recognise Limits.

Take Away Be Proactive. Depression is not a given. If in doubt talk it out. Recovery is the aim.