STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH Helping to change stereotypes and attitudes towards Mental Health in the high school setting

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?  the psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment

WHAT DOES A POSITIVE STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH LOOK LIKE?  Students are able to use their emotional and psychical well being to maintain a state of homeostasis  Able to positively function in society, and meet the demands of every day life

HOMEOSTASIS IN RELATION TO MENTAL HEALTH- WHY ITS IMPORTANT  Homeostasis is the whole of your body's efforts to maintain optimal health and proper balance.  When a part of your body is out of whack, your body cannot properly function as a whole, to the best of its ability.  When you are sick with a cold and recovering, your body is not working in a state of homeostasis because it is focusing on getting rid of your cold  When one is struggling with a mental illness, they are not in a state of homeostasis, and not able to function in their day to day routine as well as someone who does not have a mental illness.

WHAT IS A MENTAL ILLNESS?  Mental Illnesses are disturbances of brain function characterized by difficulties in thinking, mood, behavior, perception, physical functioning and/or signaling mechanisms that help us decide what to do day by day (or some combination there of). They are diagnosed using internationally recognized criteria and always lead to significant impairments in day-to-day living (work, home, social). (Teenhealth.org)

BUT I ALWAYS HAVE MOOD SWINGS? DO I HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS? Being a teenager can be a tough time. It is normal teenage behavior to have emotional changes dealing with all of the pressures of daily life. The physical, emotional, hormonal, sexual, social, intellectual pressures and problems teenagers encounter can seem overwhelming.

HOWEVER, IF THESE EMOTIONAL CHANGES DON’T GO AWAY OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, YOU COULD BE STRUGGLING WITH A MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS And that’s okay, there are many places to turn to!

WHAT DOES A MENTAL ILLNESS LOOK LIKE?  Mental health problems are real, painful, and sometimes severe. You might need help if you have the signs mentioned below:  Often feel very angry or very worried  Feel grief for a long time after a loss or death  Think your mind is controlled or out of control  Use alcohol or drugs  Exercise, diet and/or binge-eat obsessively  Hurt other people or destroy property  Do reckless things that could harm you or others

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE CONTINUED  Excessive sleeping, beyond usual teenage fatigue, which could indicate depression or substance abuse; difficulty in sleeping, insomnia, and other sleep disorders  Loss of self-esteem  Abandonment or loss of interest in favorite pastimes  Unexpected and dramatic decline in academic performance  Weight loss and loss of appetite, which could indicate an eating disorder  Personality shifts and changes, such as aggressiveness and excess anger that are sharply out of character and could indicate psychological, drug, or sexual problems

FEELING VERY SAD, HOPELESS OR WORTHLESS COULD BE WARNING SIGNS OF A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM.  Over 20% of the population suffers from a diagnosable mental health disorder  They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence.  Mental Health illnesses strike most in adolescence and young adulthood  Many issues are treatable- about 70-90%! So why not get help?  Early identification and treatment is critical in helping a person thrive with a mental health illness

MORE FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS  Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income.  Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder  Families, loved ones, friends and the patient themselves are all impacted by mental illness, whether it is through waiting for a diagnosis, operating day-to-day, or receiving treatment.

HELP IS AVAILABLE!  We must all work together to break down the stigmas associated with mental health illness.  Mental Health disorders should be treated with the same care, concern, and love as any other disease.  If you or anyone else has any of the warning signs it is imperative to talk to your parents and seek help.  Don’t let this impairment stay with you forever, get help and live up to your full potential

HOW CAN I GET HELP?  Medication treatment from a doctor  Psychosocial treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy  Peer support groups and other community services can also be components of a treatment plan and that assist with recovery.  The availability of transportation, diet, exercise, sleep, friends and meaningful paid or volunteer activities contribute to overall health and wellness, including mental illness recovery.

WHO TO TURN TO?  A mental health professional at school or in the community  A health professional (doctor, nurse) at school or in the community  Parents, teachers, and guidance counselors will be able to get you in contact with the resources available

LETS ALL WORK TOGETHER IN THE BATTLE AGAINST MENTAL ILLNESS