UNDERSTANDING MENTAL DISORDERS 1. Describe what mental disorders are. 2. List seven signs of mental disorder. 3. Summarize causes of mental disorders. 4. Identify community resources available for mental health.

What are Mental Disorders? MENTAL DISORDER: An illness that affects a persons thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Mental disorders are often misunderstood and lots of people are afraid of mental disorders. Many mental disorders are treatable. Learning signs and symptoms will help people better understand mental disorders. SYMPTOMS: A change that a person notices in their body or mind and that is caused by a disease or disorder.

Signs of Mental Disorders 1. Too much or too little sleep 2. Feeling extreme sadness 3. Unexplained mood changes 4. Drug or alcohol abuse 5. Inability to concentrate 6. Extreme anxiety or irrational fear 7. Personality changes 8. False perceptions of reality

Types of Mental Disorders Depression: Extreme feelings of sadness or hopelessness that prevent a person from carrying out everyday activities. Signs of depression: Lack of energy Withdrawal from people Loss of appetite or overeating Too much or too little sleep Feeling of helplessness or hopelessness.

Suggestions for Depression Face the Problem: Seek professional help immediately…do not use drugs or alcohol to solve problems… Identify the Problem: Find what is causing the depression. Is it the result of loss, loneliness, or a biological cause. Take Action: Change negative thinking, seek support from others, and be active. Your body produces chemical to make you feel better.

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a person who has this is frequently inattentive or impulsively hyperactive to the point that they cannot accomplish daily activities. The cause is unknown…treatment is available to help them concentrate.

Panic Disorder sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning putting oneself in danger by desperately trying to escape the situation

Phobias irrational fear of something that causes no real danger, such as spiders, elevators, or giving a speech possible panic attacks

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder repeated, disturbing, and unwanted thoughts ritual behaviors that are perceived as impossible to control such as repeatedly washing one’s hands

Eating Disorders obsessive behavior and thoughts about weight control starvation of oneself such as anorexia nervosa consumption of large amounts of food followed by vomiting

Bipolar Disorder uncontrollable cycles of extreme happiness and then depression

Schizophrenia false perceptions of reality hallucinations and/or delusions

CAUSES OF MENTAL DISORDERS 1. TRAUMATIC AND STRESS EXPERIENCES: LIKE DEATH, ACCIDENTS, AND ABUSIVE EVENTS. 2. INHERITED: LIKE SCHIZOPHERNIA AND BI- POLAR DISORDER 3. INJURY AND PHYSICAL ABUSE: LIKE BRAIN TUMORS, ALCOHOLISM, AND INFECTIONS.

HELP FOR MENTAL DISORDERS IN OUR COMMUNITY: HOSPITALS, CLINICS, AND PRIVATE AGENCIES LINK WITH SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE HELP. PSYCHOTHERPY, GROUP THERPY, AND MEDICATION ARE ALL PROVIDED TO HELP THE MENTALLY ILL.