1. Psychological Health
A Brief Overview

2. 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

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

4. 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!

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!!!

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

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

15. 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!

16. Resources and Help
UWG offers FREE counseling and psychological services through the Student Development/Counseling Center
National hotline: SUICIDE
Depression-screening:
Freedom from fear:

17. Website Resources, con’t.
No Stigma:
The Jed Foundation:
National Mental Health Assoc.:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: