Warm-Up Write down as many words that you can think of that you associate with the term “mental disorder.” Next to these terms write down whether that word is positive or negative. What might this indicate in terms of attitudes towards mental disorders?

Mental and Emotional Problems Lesson 9

Objectives Identify and describe characteristics of a variety of mental disorders Identify the signs of depression and warning signs of suicide Identify strategies for coping with depression and preventing suicide

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, productive life Each year about 20% of the US population are affected by some form of mental disorder. Even though professional help is necessary, less than 7% actually receive help. Why do you think such a small percentage actually receive help? Embarrassed, ashamed, stigma associated with mental disorders (that its not a medical disorder which is false because often times it is a result of imbalanced brain chemistry)

Types of Mental Disorders Anxiety Disorder: Condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control Chronic fear People with this disorder arrange lives to avoid the situations that make them feel anxious 4 main types Phobias obsessive-compulsive disorders panic disorders Post-traumatic stress disorders

Phobia Strong and irrational fear of something specific Impairs a person from living a normal life Some phobias can make people prisoners in their own homes (agoraphobia- fear of public places, mysophobia- fear of dirt) Some mental health professionals believe that certain phobias are caused by childhood experiences Stop after heading. What did we define a phobia as yesterday?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ‘OCD’ Trapped inside a pattern of repeated thoughts and behaviors “obsessive” persistent, recurrent “compulsive” repeated, irresistible behaviors A person with OCD often goes through repeated rituals throughout the day in order to suppress their anxiety Does anyone know anyone with ocd? Seen stories on tv?

Panic Disorder Condition in which fear and anxiety get in the way of a person’s ability to function and enjoy life Sudden, unexplained feelings of terror Panic attacks accompanied by trembling, pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness Attacks can occur at any time, but are most often triggered by a specific stimulus

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Condition that may develop after exposure to a terrifying even that threatened or caused physical harm Could arise weeks or even months after the event Common after personal assaults, natural disasters, human-made disasters or military combat Symptoms may include: flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, sleeplessness, guilt and problems concentrating

Mood Disorders Illness, often associated with and organic cause, that involves mood extremes that interfere with everyday living NOT the highs and lows that everyone experiences NOT mood swings of adolescence Emotional swings are extreme in both intensity and duration 2 types of mood disorders are clinical depression and bipolar disorder

Clinical Depression Feelings of sadness that interfere with daily living and endure for an extended period of time Not into much detail about depression because we talked about a couple days ago

Bipolar Disorder Marked by extreme mood changes, energy levels and behavior Manic “highs” and depressive “lows” Also referred to as manic-depressive disorder Figure 9.1 pg 227 Although adults with this disorder may behave normally between episodes, teens with the disorder tend to alternate rapidly between the two extremes with few clear periods

Eating Disorders Life threatening disturbances in eating behavior Most common include: Anorexia nervosa: no eating or very minimal eating Bulimia: characterized by binging and then purging Pica: eating of non-food materials Wide range of physical complications including heart conditions and kidney failure

Conduct Disorders A pattern of behaviors in which the rights of others or basic social rules are violated Lying, theft, vandalism, aggression, violence, arson More common among males than females Usually appear ‘tough’ but actually have very low self esteem If not treated, many teens with this disorder will not be able to adapt to the demands of adulthood

Schizophrenia Severe mental disorder in which a person loses contact with reality Symptoms: Delusions Hallucinations Causes may be a combination of genetic factors and chemical or structural changes in the brain Those who suffer have difficulty distinguishing between real and imaginary events Not usually a threat to others Professional help and medication are necessary

Personality Disorders Inability to get along with others because of the way one things or behaves Affects approximately 10% of the population Counseling and sometimes medication are recommended treatments 3 common personality disorders are: Antisocial personality disorder Borderline personality disorder Passive-aggressive personality disorder

Antisocial Personality Disorder Tend to be irritable, aggressive, impulsive and violent Unable to show remorse for behavior Often seen among criminals

Borderline Personality Disorder Frequently experience a series of troubled relationships Engagement in high risk activities Poor self-esteem Fear abandonment, but often lash out at the people they need the most

Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder Often uncooperative Resent being told what to do, but yet rely on other’s direction Get angry over issues of control but will only show their anger indirectly Example: a person who doesn’t want to take part in an activity may forget to show up or arrive late and leave early

Suicide: Warning Signs and Prevention

Terms: Alienation: feeling isolated and separated from everyone else Suicide: act of intentionally taking one’s own life Cluster suicides: series of suicides occurring within a short period of time and involving several people in the same school or community

Risk Factors DEPRESSION History of physical abuse over 90% of those who commit suicide suffer from depression or another mental disorder, or are abusing drugs History of physical abuse History of sexual abuse Previous suicide attempts Family history of emotional disorders or suicides Figure 9.2 pg 231

Strategies to Prevent Suicide Anyone who talks about suicide must be taken seriously Encourage someone who is depressed or mentally ill to seek help Show concern and empathy to the person so that they know their life matters! Initiate a meaningful conversation Show support and ask questions about problems Try to persuade the person to seek help

Getting Help

When Should You Seek Help? If you feel trapped with no way out You constantly worry Your feelings affect sleep, eating, school work, job performance or relationships Family and friends express concern over your behavior You are using alcohol or other drugs You are becoming increasingly aggressive, violent or reckless

Afraid to Seek Help? Remember: Asking for help does not mean that you are weak. It is a sign of strength and show’s responsibility for your well-being People with mental disorders can’t get better on their own Sharing your deepest thoughts with a ‘stranger’ is not embarrassing. In fact, most people find it gives them great relief.

Understanding Death and Grief

Terms: Coping: dealing successfully with difficult changes in your life Grief response: an individual’s total response to a major loss

Grieving Process Denial or Numbness: Emotional Releases: Anger: Disbelief that the loss has occurred Prevents person from being overwhelmed by emotions Emotional Releases: Recognition of the loss Often involves periods of crying Anger: Feeling powerless and deprived unfairly Lashing out at whatever you perceive to be responsible Bargaining: Promise to change if what was lost can be returned Depression Remorse: Person becomes occupied with thoughts about what he or she could have done to prevent the loss or make things better Acceptance: Sense of power Ability to face reality in constructive ways Meaningful gestures surrounding the idea of loss Hope: The point where remembering becomes less painful and the person can begin to look ahead to the future

Coping with Death or Crises Give yourself time to reflect Remember the good times Seek support from friends and family. You don’t have to do it alone. Grief counseling Get back to daily routines as soon as possible Eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly Do something positive to help out others Bottom 3 deal more with crises