1. First Aid Kit for the Mind
LifeMatters®
Empathia, Inc.

2. Introduction
Why present “First Aid Kit for the Mind”?

3. Warning Signs of Mental Illness
Marked personality change
Inability to cope with problems
Strange, grandiose ideas
Excessive anxieties
Prolonged apathy and feeling down
Marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns

4. Warning Signs of Mental Illness
Trouble in primary relationships
Thinking or talking about suicide
Extreme highs and lows
Abuse of alcohol or drugs
Excessive anger, hostility or violent behavior

5. The Big Four
Stress
Relationships
Depression
Drugs and Alcohol

6. Objectives
To provide you with information on the Big Four areas of mental health.
To provide tips for maintaining mental fitness in these four areas.

7. Stress

8. What is Stress? Stress is how a person reacts to a situation.
Stress is in the eye of the beholder
Stress comes from how we interpret our world:
Unrealistic expectations
Unrealistic goals
Lack of personal responsibility

9. Coping With Stress Types of coping:
Alarm Reaction: short term, physical
Unhealthy Reactions: ultimately ineffective
Adaptive Responses: ultimately create balance and harmony

10. Alarm Reaction “State of emergency” reaction
Immediate, physical reactions that impact body and mind
Remaining in chronic “state of emergency” causes exhaustion, burn out, illness

11. Unhealthy Reactions Poor nutrition Drugs, alcohol, tobacco
Lack of exercise
Emotional tension and flare ups
Abuse

12. Adaptive Responses Stress is a given—transformation is the goal
Body and mind need recovery from the alarm reaction
Unhealthy coping is ultimately ineffective
Positive interventions lead to transformation

13. Interventions—Cognitive
Focus on positive mental states
Structure of the brain
Plasticity
Practice new thinking
The Million Dollar Question

14. Physical Stress Body reactions are stored
The body needs to have periods of renewal

15. Interventions—Physical
Breathing, meditation
Cardiovascular exercise
Relaxation
Creative expressions
The Stress Triangle

16. Social Stress Relationship with self is the key
Intimacy and support needed by everyone
Reaching out to give and receive

17. Intervention—Social
Circles of support

18. Summary An adaptable person: Transforms reactions to responses
Works on emotional and cognitive states
Is physically active
Is playful and creative
Is connected to love and to others

19. Relationships

20. Why are Relationships Important?
Our need for other people is paradoxical
We all yearn for intimacy and connection
Intimacy is central to our well-being
Intimacy promotes physical and psychological well-being

21. Relationship Facts
Medical research indicates that those that have close relationships are:
More likely to survive medical crisis
Less likely to develop diseases
Close relationships promote health

22. Healthy Intimacy
Whether is is friendship, parent/child or romantic, the following need to be present for a healthy intimate relationship:
Affection
Compassion
Mutual respect

23. Guidelines for Intimate Living
Open and honest communication
Flexibility of roles
Privacy respected
Trust and commitment
Other interests and relationships
Affirmation and validation
Mutuality

24. Tips for Maintaining Intimacy
Share feelings and talk
Practice the art of compromise
Reserve time for each other and spontaneity
Argue but don’t fight

25. Tips for Maintaining Intimacy
Be clear about what you want
Practice empathy
Practice meeting the other’s needs before they ask
Focus on fun

26. Depression

27. Depression Defined
A serious medical illness that involves changes to the body and brain chemistry
More severe than the normal emotional experiences of sadness, loss or passing mood states
Is persistent and can interfere with the ability to function

28. Depression Facts
Depression and anxiety are the most common reasons people seek help
1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will experience depression during their lifetime
80-90% of all depressed people respond to treatment
Almost 50% of those who enter therapy will complete in 7 sessions or less

29. Warning Signs Depressed mood Loss of pleasure or interest
Inability to concentrate
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Disturbed sleep patterns

30. Warning Signs Fatigue or loss of energy Change in weight or appetite
Slowed movements or inability to stay still
Thoughts of death or suicide

31. Guidelines for Dealing With Depression
Reach out for help
Express yourself
Control what you can
Practice positive self-talk and relaxation techniques
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help

32. Tips and Suggestions Strong support and connections Healthy body
Adequate sleep
Willingness to share and discuss feelings
Ability to strive towards a hopeful attitude
Knowledgeable about mental illness

33. Drugs and Alcohol

34. It’s Your Choice
Personal choice
Influences

35. Progression
About 10% of social users will progress through the stages from social use to being harmfully involved or dependent
Social use
Substance abuse
Chemical dependency
Death

36. Family Impact
Are you worried?
What is normal?
How can you help?

37. Tips and Suggestions Knowledgeable about drugs and alcohol
Talk about it
Offer/consider alternatives and choices

38. Conclusion

39. In Conclusion
This course is only a brief introduction to these areas of mental health

40. Where to Go For Help LifeMatters® Community Agencies
Crisis Intervention Centers
Self-Help Groups
Family, Friends, Pastoral
County Mental Health
Health care providers in your insurance

41. LifeMatters® Resources
Professional assistance is available 24/7 at
and
mylifematters.com
Please complete the evaluations.