Mental and Emotional Problems Chapter 5 Mental and Emotional Problems

I. Anxiety- the condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen. A. Causes- hormonal changes, relationship issues grief, or stress B. Coping with anxiety Plan ahead to avoid stressful situations Use stress management techniques Avoid using alcohol or drugs to produce a temporary sense of relaxation C. Depression- a prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness. Can be a serious condition requiring medical attention. 15% of teens will display some signs of depression Major depression- lasts for weeks or months Mild depression has less severe symptoms but can last for years Adjustment disorder which is a reaction to specific life events

Warning Signs of Depression Persistent sad or irritable mood Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Difficulty concentrating Significant change in appetite or body weight Recurrent thought of death or suicide Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping Physical signs of nervousness Changes in thinking Loss of energy Changes in feelings Changes in behavior Causes and Effects of Depression Causes: Physical, psychological, or social reasons. Medical conditions or illnesses, surviving traumatic life events, or social/environmental factors i.e. living in poverty or physically/emotionally harmful environments.

Homework There are other types of depression, in addition to the types described in this lesson. They include cyclothymia, atypical depression, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Students will learn about these other types of depression and create a fact sheet to summarize what they learn.

Complete the Lesson 1 Assessment on page 117 #1-5 Getting Help for Depression Discuss concerns with a trusted adult Health professionals can develop a plan to treat depression that may include medication, making changes in home or school environment, or counseling Treatment takes time, persistence and patience Complete the Lesson 1 Assessment on page 117 #1-5

Types of Mental Disorders II. Mental Disorders-an illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings, life. behaviors of a person, preventing him or her from leading a happy, healthful, and productive. 1 in 4 Americans are affected by mental disorders and most people don’t seek treatment. Types of Mental Disorders Anxiety Disorders- a condition where real or imagined fears are difficult to control. One of the most common disorders Phobias A strong irrational fear of something specific, such as heights, or social situations Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Persistent, fears, or urges leading to uncontrollable repetitive behaviors. For example, the fear of leads to constant hand washing Panic Disorder Attacks of sudden, unexplained feelings or terror. “Panic attacks” are accompanied by trembling, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) A condition that may develop after exposure to a terrifying event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, guilt, sleeplessness, and problems concentrating. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Exaggerated worry and tension for no reason. People with GAD startle easily and have difficulty concentrating, relaxing and sleeping.

Myths and Realities about Mental Disorders Myth: Having a mental disorder means that you are crazy Fact: Mental disorders can affect anyone and having one does not make you crazy Myth: Having a mental disorder means that you are dangerous to others Fact: People with mental disorders are less dangerous than the average person without mental illness. Myth: Mental disorders cannot be cured Fact: With treatment, many people with mental disorders can have a full recovery

Impulse Control Disorders- people cannot resist the urge to hurt themselves or others. Usually begin in childhood and can continue through adulthood. These people may cause physical harm to themselves or others, financial issues by gambling and/or overspending. Examples of Impulse Control Disorders are: Kleptomania Unplanned theft of objects Cutting Repetitive cutting on parts of the body that can be hidden Pyromania Setting fires to feel pleasure of release tension Excessive Gambling Continuing to gamble despite heavy losses Compulsive Shopping Spending money on items that you can’t afford and don’t need Eating Disorders- occurs usually during teen years, usually girls, struggle with body issues Anorexia Nervosa- denying or extremely limiting your food Bulimia- binge and purge cycles Mood disorders-illness that involves mood extremes that interfere with everyday life. Examples: bipolar disorder (extreme changes in mood, energy levels, and behavior)

Compare and Contrast Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia

Conduct Disorder –engaging in behavior patterns where the rights of others or basic social rules are violated. Ex. Stealing, cruelty, aggression, violence, truancy, arson, and vandalism. Schizophrenia- mental disorder where the person loses contact with reality. Personality disorders- unable to regulate their emotions , causes are unknown. III. Suicide Most people learn to handle stress, others it can lead to alienation (feelings of isolation and separation from everyone and everything. Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life. The third leading cause of death for teens 15-19. 15% of teens will consider suicide and half will attempt it. A. Risk Factors 90% suffer from depression History of abusing alcohol or drugs Stressful situation or loss Previous suicide attempts Family history of mental disorders, substance abuse, or suicide Access to guns

Result in pacts made between teens B. Cluster suicides- a series of suicides occurring within a short period of time and involving several people in the same school or community. 5% of all teen suicides Result in pacts made between teens Share a traumatic event in community or school C. Strategies to prevent suicide Recognize the warning signs of suicide and take them seriously. The more signs exhibited, the more likely it is that the person is thinking about suicide. Direct statements such as “I wish I were dead” A sense of guilt, shame, or rejection, negative self evaluation Indirect statement such as “I can’t take it anymore” Deterioration in school work or recreational performance Writing poems, song lyrics, or diary entries that deal with death Giving away personal belongings An unusual obsession with death Substance abuse Withdrawal from friends Complaints about physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, and fatigue Dramatic changes in personality, hygiene, or appearance Persistent boredom and indifference Direct or indirect suicide threats Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away Impulsive, irrational, or unusual behavior Intolerance for praise or rewards

Myths and Realities about Suicide Myth: People who talk about suicide won’t really attempt it. Fact: People who talk about suicide are usually considering it and should be taken seriously. Myth: When people are determined to commit suicide, nothing can stop them Fact: Getting help for suicidal people can prevent them from taking their lives Myth: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea to attempt suicide. Fact: Talking about suicide and where to go for help may help prevent someone from attempting suicide

D. How You Can Help Initiate a meaningful conversation, show interest, compassion, patience, and understanding Show support and ask questions- remind them that all problems have solutions and suicide is not the answer Try to persuade the person to seek help- encourage the person to talk to a parent, counselor, or other trusted adult. Offer to go with them for help If you think someone is suicidal tell someone, tell someone until someone takes action Contact community resources, crisis centers, or hotlines Complete Now Lesson 3 Assessment p.125 # 1-5 you have 10 minutes to complete your task.

IV. Getting Help A. When help is needed- no one should ever need to feel embarrassed. Seek help if feeling the following Feeling trapped or worrying all the time Feelings that affect sleep, eating habits, schoolwork, job performance, or relationships Becoming involved with alcohol or other drugs Becoming increasingly aggressive, violent, or reckless B. Overcoming Stumbling Blocks Asking for help is a sign of inner strength. Shows responsibility for one’s own wellness Serious disorders, compulsions, and addictions are complex and require professional interventions Sharing your thoughts with an objective, helpful individual can be a great relief Financial help to pay for care may be available C. Where to go for help – remember it takes courage to confront a problem

Mental Health Professionals Counselor- handles personal and educational matters School psychologist- professional that specializes in the assessment of learning, emotional, and behavioral problems of school children Psychiatrist- physician who diagnoses and treats mental disorders and can prescribe medications Neurologist- a physician who specializes in physical disorders of the brain and nervous system Clinical psychologist- a professional who diagnoses and treats emotional and behavioral disorders with counseling. Some can provide medication. Psychiatric social worker- a professional who provides guidance and treatment for emotional problems in a hospital, mental health clinic or family service agency

Treatment methods Psychotherapy- ongoing dialogue between a patient and a mental health professional Behavior therapy- treatment process that focuses on changing unwanted behaviors through rewards and reinforcements Cognitive therapy-treatment method that identifies and corrects distorted thinking patterns that can lead to feelings and behaviors that may be troublesome, self defeating, or self destructive Family therapy- focuses on helping the family function in more positive and constructive ways by exploring patterns in communication and providing support and education Group therapy- treating a group of people who have similar problems and who meet regularly with trained counselors. Whatever is said in the group remains private Drug therapy- the use of certain medications to treat or reduce the symptoms of a mental disorder.