1. Mental Disorders What is Mental Illness?
An illness that affects the way a person thinks, behaves or interacts with people.

2. Phobias Intense irrational fears of certain objects or situations
Examples: see back of note sheet.

3. Panic Disorder Irrational fear which causes intense physical reactions
Such as rise in blood pressure
Hyperventilating
Rapid pulse

4. Hypochondria Irrational anxiety over illness and disease
example: someone is sick and so you think you are also sick

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessions are reoccurring, unwanted thoughts or worries ( noun)
Compulsions are activities or rituals performed to relieve the anxiety brought on by obsessions.(verb)

6. Types of OCD’s Washers: fear of germs-hours washing
Checkers: fear of having or not having done something-go back and check many times.
Cleaners: fear of things being contaminated-constantly cleaning surroundings
Hoarders: collect things-do not throw anything away, even garbage

7. OCD’s Continued
Repeaters: feel the need to do things the “right” number of times-if not, something bad might happen.
Orderers: have to have things organized absolutely “the right way”

8. Schizophrenia
A chronic and puzzling condition with psychotic symptoms. The person loses touch with reality. May have abnormal emotional responses, withdraw from society, hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking.
Also known as “split mind”.

9. Bipolar Disorder Also known as manic-depressive illness.
Involves episodes of serious mania (over activity and restlessness) and depression.
Can be helped with medication

10. Personality Disorders:
Schizoid- very sensitive to rejection and criticism from others and tends to withdrawal.
Avoidant- prefers to be alone in social situations.
Dependent: relies completely on others for a sense of security.
Passive-aggressive: indirectly resists cooperating with others.

11. Personality Disorders Cont’d.
Histrionic: needs constant excitement and attention
Narcissistic: conceited, arrogant behaviors, very self-centered.
Antisocial: no respect for the rights of others, needs to dominate others, as adult, often become criminals.

12. Depression TeEd: Confessions of a Depressed Comic

13. Depression A prolonged state of extreme sadness.
Lasting more than 2 weeks
Teens more vulnerable to depression b/c of changes in hormones and sleep cycles.
Suicide: taking one’s own life.
Suicide: 3rd leading cause of death among the year old age group.
(car accidents and murder 1 and 2)

14. Suicide Continued What else puts teens at suicide risk?
Conduct disorder
Alcohol and drug use
Life stress

15. Warning signs of suicide:
Withdraw from family and friends
A drop in grades
Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
Major change in appearance.
Talk about feeling hopeless and helpless.
Openly talks about suicide or death.
Self destructive behavior(drinking, drugs)
Loss of interest in activities
Giving away favorite things.
Sudden happy or cheerful mood after being depressed or sad for a long time.

16. What to do to help: Do not ignore the signs.
Find time to privately let the person know what you expect.
Stay calm, stay with him/her and listen!
Reassure the person that many people think about suicide, but never actually do it.
Remind the person that suicide cannot be reversed.
Ask if they have a plan.
Do not allow yourself to be sworn to secrecy.
Be honest with the person.
Find out about help available in your area.

17. Who can help? MAPS- Guidance Counselors Teachers,Parents
Methacton
Assistance
Program for
Students
Guidance Counselors
Teachers,Parents
Suicide Hotline

18. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
You can always get help!
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
There is always someone to help. Never give up hope.

19. Laugh! Find humor in a problem “don’t sweat the small stuff”
Smile. They are gifts that cost nothing and are usually returned.
Practice “Mindfulness”
Practice Positive Affirmations