Mental and Emotional Health 2013

Do Now: Can you think of a person/character who symbolizes good mental and emotional health? Why do you think this?

Mental Health Notes Mental Health: The ability to accept yourself and others, adapt to and manage emotions, and deal with the demands and challenges of life.

Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?

They feel good about themselves: Positive self-image, self-acceptance, self-awareness   1. They are not overwhelmed by their own emotions - fears, anger, love, jealousy, guilt or worries. 2. They can take life’s disappointments in their stride. 3. They have a tolerant, easy-going attitude towards themselves as well as others and they can laugh at themselves. 4. They neither underestimate nor overestimate their abilities. 5. They can accept their own shortcomings. 6. They have self-respect. 7. They feel able to deal with most situations. 8. They can take pleasure in simple, everyday things.

They feel comfortable with other people: Accept others, positive relationships, celebrates differences   9. They are able to give love and consider the interests of others. 10. They have personal relationships that are satisfying and lasting. 11. They like and trust others, and feel that others will like and trust them. 12. They respect the many differences they find in people. 13. They do not take advantage of others nor allow others to take advantage of them. 14. They feel they can be part of a group. 15. They feel a sense of responsibility to fellow human beings.

They are able to meet the demands of life: Enthusiastic, Resilient, Manage Stress, Motivated, Set Goals 16. They do something about their problems as they arise. 17. They accept their responsibilities. 18. They shape their environment whenever possible; they adjust to it whenever necessary. 19. They try to plan ahead and do not fear the future. 20. They welcome new experiences and new ideas. 21. They use their talents. 22. They set realistic goals for themselves. 23. They are able to make their own decisions. 24. They put their best effort into what they do, and get satisfaction from doing it.

Be a Product of Your Choices, Not Your Circumstances

…Attitude…

Do Now: What positively affects your mental and emotional health? (What makes you feel happy, confident, in control, not stressed, etc.) What negatively affects your mental health? (makes you feel sad, insecure, stressed, etc.)

Stress Questions for Discussion: Stress and the Body Adrenaline Savior to Killer Questions for Discussion: What hormone is mainly responsible for the changes that take place during the stress response? What organs/systems in the body are affected by the stress response? What provokes the stress response? Is stress a positive or negative thing?

Types of Stress Motivates, focuses energy Is short-term Causes anxiety or concern Can be short- or long-term Is perceived as outside of our coping abilities Feels unpleasant Decreases performance Can lead to mental and physical problems Motivates, focuses energy Is short-term Is perceived as within our coping abilities Feels exciting Improves performance THE KIND WE WANT!

The Stress Response Automatic response to a perceived threat Was necessary for survival Can still be helpful, but for most people it becomes hurtful

The Teen Brain: Under Construction Live Science: Teen Brain MAIN POINTS: Stressors may be more stressful for teens Emotions more intense for teens Decision-making and long-range planning is harder for teens Desire to take risks and enjoyment from risk-taking higher in teens Vulnerability for mental illness higher

The single best thing you can do for your mental health is to choose Power of Thought The single best thing you can do for your mental health is to choose positive thoughts

What are your biggest sources of stress and anxiety What are your biggest sources of stress and anxiety? What brings you down? Do you have the ability to remove the stressor? If yes, how can you? If no, how can you perceive things differently In order to remove this “stressor” from your life?

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: An Overview

Stress Management Through the Seven Habits 1) BE PROACTIVE Choose to be happy Pause and think before responding Focus on what you can control Product of choices rather than circumstances

Distraction or Redirect Energy Getting involved in activities that take one’s mind off the stressful situation (short-term) Going for a walk Exercising Listening to music Spending time with friends Dancing Taking a nap Working on a hobby Reading a book

Relaxation Techniques Stretching exercises Breathing exercises Progressive relaxation Meditation Visualization or guided imagery Journaling Yoga

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: is a systematic method of relaxing muscle groups throughout the body. Meditation is a form of guided thought. It can take many forms. You may do it with exercise that uses the same motions over and over, like walking or swimming. You may meditate by practicing relaxation training, by stretching or by breathing deeply. Guided imagery: a verbal process that uses visualization to prompt a relaxation response. Deep, relaxed breathing by itself may help relieve stress. This helps your body receive plenty of oxygen. Exercise is a good way to deal with stress because it is a healthy way to relieve negative energy and tension. It boosts self-esteem and helps you get your body in great condition. Regular exercise also improves sleep patterns and improves energy, which can greatly decrease negative stress. Time Management – Scheduling and managing time wisely are important.

Time Management Set goals Get organized Set priorities Get enough rest and exercise Minimize distractions Use an agenda Do the most important things first

Study Strategies Sit in the front of the classroom Use an agenda book Set up a work area at home with supplies Eat breakfast Get enough exercise and sleep Recopy and / or highlight notes

Benefits of Stress Reduction Research shows that meditation may help such conditions as: Allergies Anxiety Arthritis Asthma Cancer Chronic pain Depression High blood pressure Heart disease