Psychosocial Health Being Mentally, Emotionally, Socially, and Spiritually Well © Lisa Michalek

Psychosocial Health  The mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health.

Psychosocially Healthy People  They feel good about themselves  They feel comfortable with other people  They control tension and anxiety  They are able to meet the demands of life  They curb hate and guilt  They maintain a positive outlook  They enrich the lives of others  They cherish the things that make them smile  They value diversity  They appreciate and respect nature

Mental Health  The “thinking” part of health  Includes –Values –Attitudes –Beliefs

Mentally Healthy  A mentally healthy person is able to respond in a positive way even when things do not go as expected.

Emotional Health  The “feeling” part of health  Includes your emotional reactions to life  Emotions result from –Harm, Loss, and Threats –Benefits –Hope and Compassion –Grief, Disappointment –Bewilderment and Curiosity

Emotionally Healthy  Emotionally healthy people are able to respond to upsetting events or when they feel threatened. –They are not likely to react in an extreme fashion, behave inconsistently, or act in an offensive attack mode.

Social Health  Interactions with others  The ability to adapt to social situations  Presence of strong social bonds  Presence of relationships that bring positive benefits to the individual

Socially Healthy  Have a wide range of interactions with –Family –Friends –Acquaintances  Able to listen, express themselves, form healthy relationships, act in socially acceptable and responsible ways, and find a fit for themselves in society

Spiritual Health  A belief in some unifying force that gives purpose or meaning to life  A sense of belonging to a scheme of being that is greater than the physical or personal dimensions of existence. –Nature –Other people –A God or other spiritual symbol

Improving Psychosocial Health  Develop and Maintain Self-Esteem –Find a support group –Complete required tasks –Form realistic expectations –Make time for you –Maintain physical health –Examine problems and seek help

Improving Psychosocial Health  Sleep –Establish a consistent sleep schedule –Evaluate your sleeping environment –Exercise regularly –Limit caffeine and alcohol –Avoid heavy meals –Establish a relaxing nighttime ritual

Psychosocial Health Disorders  Depression –Persistent sadness, despair and hopelessness  Anxiety & Panic attacks –Feelings of threat and anxiousness in coping with everyday problems  Phobias –Fear of a specific object, activity, or situation  Schizophrenia –Irrational behavior, severe alterations of the senses (hallucinations) and sometimes inability to function in society.

Warning signs of Suicide  Recent loss and inability to let go of grief  Change in personality  Change in behavior  Diminished sexual interest  Self-hatred  Change in sleep patterns  Change in eating habits  Direct Statement about committing suicide  Indirect Statement about committing suicide  Preoccupation with death  Changes in personal appearance  Excessive risk taking

Actions to prevent Suicide  Monitor warning signs  Take any threats seriously  Let the person know how much you care about them  Listen  Ask “are you thinking of hurting or killing yourself?”  Do not belittle the person’s feelings  Help the person think about alternatives  Take the person to someone to help  Tell a teacher, parent, brother, sister, or counselor

Professionals  Psychiatrist – is a Medical doctor  Psychologist – is a Ph.D. in counseling or clinical psychology  Psychoanalyst – is a specialized Psychologist  Social Worker – has a degree in social work  Counselor – has a degree in counseling, psychology, or educational psychology  Nurse Specialist – a registered nurse who has continued their education