Psychological Health A Brief Overview

Positive Psychological Traits Self-actualization- fulfilling human potential to the fullest Realism- ability to accept what can and cannot be changed Self-esteem- satisfaction and confidence in self Authenticity- being genuine Capacity for Intimacy- ability to share and express feelings with others

Psychological Challenges Achieving Healthy Self-Esteem Being Less Defensive Avoiding Cognitive Distortion Being Optimistic Dealing with Loneliness Dealing with Anger

Mental Illness Facts Mental illness are biologically based brain disorders. Mental illnesses are not related to a person’s character or intelligence. About one in 17 Americans have some form of serious mental illness Mental illness affects 1 in 5 families The cost of untreated mental illnesses in the US is more than $100 billion a year!

Psychological Disorders (Anxiety Related) Anxiety – a feeling of fear that is not directed toward any definite threat Simple or Specific Phobia – a persistent fear of a specific thing, activity, or situation Social Phobia – fear of humiliation or embarrassment in front of others Panic Disorder – a syndrome of severe anxiety attacks accompanied by physical symptoms Generalized Anxiety Disorder – characterized by excessive worry about all kinds of things

Psychological Disorders, (Anxiety) con’t. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – uncontrollable, recurring thoughts and performing of senseless rituals Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – reliving traumatic events through dreams, flashbacks, and hallucinations

Mood Disorders Seasonal affective disorder – characterized by seasonal depression Mania – excessive elation, irritability, talkativeness, inflated self-esteem Bipolar – a mental illness characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania Schizophrenia – a mental illness involving a disturbance in thinking and in perceiving reality

Depression Depression is the most common psychological disorder and the leading cause of suicide One in three students experience prolonged periods of depression One in four have suicidal thoughts Over a lifetime, about 20% of females and 12% of males experience serious depression

Warning Signs of Serious Depression Finding little or no pleasure in life Feeling worthless or extremely guilty Crying a lot for no particular reason Withdrawing from other people Having very low energy or too much energy Having trouble concentrating Feeling easily irritated or angry Source: The Jed Foundation

Treatment for Depression Critical to recognize and seek professional help first and foremost Drug therapy – (Prozac – most common drug approved for use with children and teens) Cognitive-behavior therapy Most effective treatment combines both!!!

Leading Causes of Death Among 15-25 Year Olds 1st:Accidental Death – primarily motor vehicle accidents 2nd:Homicide – primarily involving firearms 3rd:Suicide – primary means involves firearms

Suicide Scary Stats Suicide is actually the second leading cause of death among college students. Suicide attempts pose the greatest life-threatening danger for college women. The rate of suicide among young males has tripled since 1970. There are almost 1,100 suicides projected to occur on campuses this year. Among college students, 7.5 of every 100,000 students take their own lives.

Scary Stats, con’t. Four out of five young adults who attempt suicide have given clear warnings. One in 12 US college students makes a suicide plan. Every hour and 45 minutes another young person commits suicide.

Suicide Alert List P – Previous Attempts P – Plan A – Alone L – Lethality L – Loss A – Availability S – Substance I – Illness Abuse D - Depression

More Suicide Facts More females than males attempt suicide but more males are successful. Most people who have committed suicide have talked about it to someone! Talking with someone about suicide does not cause suicide! Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem!

Resources and Help UWG offers FREE counseling and psychological services through the Student Development/Counseling Center National hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE Depression-screening: www.depression-screening.org Freedom from fear: www.freedomfromfear.com

Website Resources, con’t. No Stigma: www.nostigma.org The Jed Foundation: www.jedfoundation.org National Mental Health Assoc.: www.nmha.org American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org