Mental Disorders/Suicide Chapter 9

Mental Disorders An illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of a person, preventing him or her from leading a happy, healthful and productive life.

Type of Mental Disorders Anxiety Disorder: a condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control. Phobia: a strong irrational fear of something specific. OCD: (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder): Obsessive means to being persistent, recurrent. Compulsive refers to repeated, irresistible behaviors.

Types Continued Panic Disorder: a sudden unexplained feelings of terror Post-traumatic Stress disorder: condition that may develop after exposure to a terrifying event that threatened or causes physical harm. Mood Disorder: illness often with an organic cause or involves mood extremes that interfere with everyday life.

Types Continued Clinical Depression: when feelings of sadness, hopelessness or despair last more than a few weeks and interfere with daily living. Bipolar Disorder: extreme mood changes, energy levels and behavior changes. Eating Disorders: anorexia and bulimia Conduct disorders: a pattern of behavior in which the rights of others or basic social rules are violated.

Types Contiuned Schizophrenia: a severe mental disorder in which a person loses contact with reality. Caused by genetics or chemical and structural changes in the brain. Affects about 1% of the population Usually appears between the ages of 15-35

Types of Personality Disorders Antisocial Personality disorder: irritable, aggressive, impulsive, and violent, most times do not show remorse for behavior. Borderline Personality disorder: series of troubled relationships, participate in high-risk behaviors, and often have poor self-esteem. Passive Aggressive: often uncooperative, do not like being told what to do, yet rely of others for directions.

Suicide

Prevention Suicide is preventable When a person is depressed they are NOT thinking, feeling or acting the way they normally do. Must get help, to get them back on track. Have to learn what the warning signs are and who is at a higher risk

Stats. Among young people 15-24 suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death, behind accidents and homicide. The number has tripled in recent years. Every day in the U.S., approximately 14 young people between the ages of 15-24 die at their own hands. That’s one suicide every 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Myths of Suicide Teenagers who talk about attempting suicide are doing it for attention?

Answer True, and they need the attention. There is something going on that’s causing them to feel this way. They need people to listen, and professionals to help them.

Myths Suicidal people really want to die, so there’s no way to stop them?

Answer False. They are depressed and need help. With help, they can feel better and find other solutions

Myths Once a person is suicidal, they’re suicidal forever?

Answer False. Teens who are suicidal can go on to lead useful lives, once they get help. Usually the suicidal feelings are for a limited period of time.

Who is at risk? Ones who have attempted suicide before Low-self esteem Trouble with the law Suffering from depression Abused, molested, or neglected Abuse drugs and/or alcohol People who are perfectionists

Warning signs Trouble coping with recent loss, death, divorce, moving, break-up Experience with a traumatic event Sudden change in personality or attitude, chemical use or school behavior

Verbal signs “I can’t go on anymore” “I wish I was never born” “I wish I were dead” “I won’t need this anymore” “Everyone would be better off if I was dead”