Mental Disorders and Suicide Unit 2 Spring 2016

Warm-Up Write one thing about a person in our class that you think is great/unique/special.

Objectives I can explain how mental disorders are recognized Describe five types of anxiety disorders and four types of other disorders Identify the health risks of eating disorders Describe one major risk factor for suicide

Mental Disorders A Mental Disorder is an illness that affects the mind and reduces a person’s ability to function, to adjust, or to get along with others. For example, if can alter a person’s ability to keep a job, study, or make friends.

Recognizing Mental Disorders Some behaviors fall outside of the broad range of normal behaviors For example – it is normal to wash your hands before you eat, but it is not normal to continue to wash your hands when they are already clean. Mental health experts see abnormal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors as signs or symptoms of a mental disorder. The distress that people who have mental disorders experience, affects their ability to function.

Signs Signs of Attention Deficit Signs of Hyperactivity Does not pay attention to details Makes careless mistakes Does not seem to listen Disorganized Forgets daily activities Easily distracted Has difficulty following directions Fidgets or squirms while seated Has trouble staying in seat Frequently runs around or climbs Talks excessively Interrupts others Has trouble waiting or taking turns Keep in mind, just because you have some of these symptoms, does not mean you have a mental disorder.

Warm-Up Write a letter to yourself… Suggested topics to discuss in your letter - What was great about 2016 so far? What was bad? Do you think you changed over the last year? How? Who are your friends and why? What are your favorite and least favorite things? Think food, colors, clothes, hobbies, sports, music, classes, etc. Do you think you will change over the next year? How and in what ways? Do you have any predictions about the next year? - If you could give your future self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Causes of Mental Disorders Though researchers have made gains on what causes mental disorders, there is still a lot to learn Sometimes it has a single cause, other times it is a combination of things There are four main factors Physical Factors – Damage to the brain at any age; caused by a tumor, an injury, or illness. Also, exposure to lead, other poisons, or the prolonged use of alcohol or other drugs.

Causes of Mental Disorders Heredity – A person may inherit a tendency toward a mental disorder. This does not necessarily mean that a person will have the disorder, however, they have a greater risk. Early Experiences – Extremely negative experiences that occur early in life can lead to mental illness. For example, if a child is neglected or abused. Recent Experiences – Negative experiences that occur recently are actually more likely to cause mental illness. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety Disorders Anxiety – Fear caused by a source you cannot identify or a source that does not pose as much of a threat as you think. Have you every been afraid in a situation even though you knew the actual threat? Anxiety Disorder – When anxiety persists for a long time and interferes with daily living. About 13% of teen are affected by this Examples include, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, and PTSD

Phobias Phobia – Anxiety that is related to a specific situation or object Arachnophobia – fear of spiders Agoraphobia – fear of open or public places Claustrophobia – fear of small, closed spaces

Anxiety Disorders Panic Attacks Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Fast heart rate Rapid breathing Sweating Chest Discomfort Fear of losing control Obsession – an unwanted thought of image that takes control of the mind. Compulsion – an unreasonable need to behave in a certain way to prevent a feared outcome. Repeatedly checking if the door is locked; constantly washing your hands.

Mood Disorder Mood Disorder – people who experience extreme emotions that make it difficult to function well in their daily lives. Bipolar disorder – a person that shift from one emotional extreme disorder to another. Depression – an emotional state in which a person feels extremely sad and hopeless. Schizophrenia – extreme – “split-mind”

Eating Disorders Eating Disorder – An abnormal behavior related to more than just food. Anorexia Nervosa – a person does not eat enough food to maintain a healthy body weight. Main symptom is extreme weight loss Even when thin, these people still see themselves as fat. Bulimia – A person goes on uncontrolled eating binges followed by purging. (vomiting or laxatives) Can cause irritation to the throat and erodes the enamel of the teeth.

Depression People with clinical depression may feel sad and hopeless for months at a time. As the depression deepens, people often are unable to accomplish their daily tasks. Can lead to problems at school, relationships, alcohol and drug use, and sometimes even suicide. Recognizing Depression – A person with depression with experience four or more of the symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks.

Symptoms of Depression Change in appetite; significant weight loss or gain Change in sleep patterns; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much. Change in activity level; sluggish or frantic Loss of interest in usual activities Loss of energy; always tired Hopelessness Unexplained crying Repeated thoughts of death and suicide

Self-Injury Cutting – The use of sharp object to intentionally cut or scratch one’s body deep enough to bleed. Self injury is in unhealthy way to cope with emotions, stress, or traumatic events

Suicide Suicide is the international killing of oneself. Suicide affects all kinds of people: young, old, rich, poor… Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24. There is now legitimate sign that someone is going to commit suicide, only risk factors.

Risk Factors A previous suicide attempt or a family history Having both a mental disorder and a substance abuse disorder Feelings of hopelessness or isolation Lack of access to mental health treatment Being influenced by the suicide of family members, peers, or celebrities.

When a Friend is Thinking about Suicide Do… Don’t… Trust your feelings Take the threat seriously Say how concerned you are Listen carefully Talk calmly Involve a trusted adult Stay until help arrives Dare the person to go ahead with the attempt Judge the person Analyze the person’s motives Argue or offer reasons not to attempt suicide Leave the person alone

Consider… On a separate sheet of paper What actions would you take and how would you approach a friend that you feel is having issues with: An eating disorder Depression Considering Suicide