Having a positive outlook, being comfortable with yourself and others, and being able to meet life's challenges and demands.

Signs of Good Mental Health In general people with good mental health: Are realist about their strengths and weaknesses Are responsible for their personal behavior Avoid high risk behaviors, such as using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs Are open-minded and flexible Are fun loving and able to relax alone or with others. Respect both their own and others’ needs. Respect everyone’s value as a human being-including their own Invest time and energy into nourishing relationships Put their talents and abilities to good use View change as a challenge and an opportunity.

All or nothing thinking. Expecting the “worst” in others, or yourself. Being a perfectionist. Letting your actions or words betray your values. -Many situations have “shades of gray.” Learn to recognize and accept these subtle degrees of difference. - Look for the good, and you will be more likely to find it. - Trying to be perfect or thinking you do it all often leads to frustration or failure. Remind yourself that no one is perfect. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. - Stand up for what you believe and know is right.

1) List your assets or strengths. 2) Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. 3) Find something that you love to do, and do it frequently. 4) Stop making life a contest. 5) Help someone else.

-The confidence and worth that you feel about yourself. -A person’s belief in his or her ability to succeed in a particular situation Self Efficacy??

 Directly related to your overall health Determines: How you feel mentally How you feel physically How you take care of yourself Your health habits

 Feedback -messages from others that indicate who they think you are or what they think you are like. Parents/Guardians Other Adults Caretakers Siblings Extended Family Siblings Grandparents Peers Teachers Coaches Friends

 Hugs  Pats on the back  Frowned at you  Ignored you  Smiled at you When you were little…. Now as a teen…….. Peers response Peers statements Coaches Teachers reactions Friends Media influences

 Feedback from yourself. Negative Self Talk: Hurtful, non-constructive messages that you send yourself. Constructive Criticism- Learn to grow from that experience Give yourself credit for achievements

 Analyze  - Create two lists, one of positive feedback and one of negative feedback that you received in your childhood. Describe how you think each kind of feedback affected your self image.

 Think of a caring adult in your family or in the community or school who has been important in your life and has given you positive feedback.  Write a letter to this person, thanking him or her for caring.  Indicate in the letter how this positive feedback has affected your feelings and self worth.