1. 1. Identify seven characteristics of mental health
Define the following term: mental health the normal functioning of emotional and intellectual abilities.

2. 1. Identify seven characteristics of mental health
These are the characteristics of a person who is mentally healthy:
Gets along with others
Adapts to change
Cares for self and others
Gives and accepts love
Deals with situations that cause anxiety, disappointment, and frustration
Takes responsibility for decisions, feelings, and actions
Controls and fulfills desires and impulses appropriately

3. 2. Identify four causes of mental illness
Define the following terms: mental illness a disease that affects a person’s ability to function at a normal level in the family, home, or community. situation response a temporary condition that has symptoms like those of mental illness; possible causes include a personal crisis, temporary physical changes in the brain, side effects from medications, interactions among medications, and severe change in the environment.

4. 2. Identify four causes of mental illness
The following conditions may cause or worsen mental illness:
Physical factors such as illness, disability, aging, substance abuse, or chemical imbalance
Environmental factors such as weak family relationships or traumatic childhood experiences
Heredity or family influence
Stress, including coping abilities

5. 3. Distinguish between fact and fallacy concerning mental illness
Define the following term: fallacy a false belief.

6. 3. Distinguish between fact and fallacy concerning mental illness
REMEMBER: Mental illness is a disease like any other physical illness. People who are mentally ill cannot simply choose to be well.

7. 3. Distinguish between fact and fallacy concerning mental illness
REMEMBER: Mental illness and intellectual disability are not the same. Intellectual disability is a developmental disability that causes below-average mental functioning. It is not a type of mental illness. One common point, however, is that residents with both conditions will need emotional support in addition to care and treatment.

8. 4. Explain the connection between mental and physical wellness
REMEMBER: Being mentally healthy can reduce stress and prevent some physical diseases. The reverse of this statement is also true. Mentally ill residents may experience high levels of stress that can affect their physical health.

9. 4. Explain the connection between mental and physical wellness
Think about this question: What stress-reducing techniques do you find effective in your own life?

10. 5. List guidelines for communicating with mentally ill residents
NAs should remember these guidelines for communicating with residents who are mentally ill:
Do not talk to adults as if they were children.
Use simple, clear statements and normal tone of voice.
Communicate respect and concern.
Sit or stand at a normal distance. Use posture that says you are listening (body language).
Be honest and direct.
Avoid arguments.
Maintain eye contact.
Listen carefully.

11. 6. Identify and define common defense mechanisms
Define the following term: defense mechanisms unconscious behaviors used to release tension or cope with stress.

12. 6. Identify and define common defense mechanisms
NAs should be familiar with these defense mechanisms:
Denial
Projection
Displacement
Rationalization
Repression
Regression

13. 7. Describe the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia
Define the following terms: anxiety uneasiness or fear, often about a situation or condition. phobias an intense form of anxiety or fear. claustrophobia the fear of being in a confined space. panic disorder a disorder in which a person has repeated episodes of intense fear that something bad will occur.

14. 7. Describe the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia
Define the following terms: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive behavior or thoughts. post-traumatic stress disorder an anxiety disorder caused by a traumatic experience. apathy a lack of interest in activities. major depressive disorder a type of depression that causes withdrawal, lack of energy, and loss of interest in activities, as well as other symptoms; also called major depression.

15. 7. Describe the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia
Define the following terms: bipolar disorder a type of depression that causes a person to swing from periods of deep depression to periods of extreme activity; also called manic-depressive illness. schizophrenia a form of mental illness that affects a person’s ability to think, communicate, make decisions, and understand reality. paranoid schizophrenia a form of mental illness characterized by hallucinations and delusions.

16. Transparency 20-1: Mental Diagnosis 1

17. Transparency 20-2: Mental Diagnosis 2

18. Transparency 20-3: Mental Diagnosis 3

19. 8. Explain how mental illness is treated
Define the following term: psychotherapy a method of treating mental illness that involves talking about one’s problems with mental health professionals.

20. 8. Explain how mental illness is treated
Mental illness can be treated. The following are common treatments:
Medication
Psychotherapy

21. 8. Explain how mental illness is treated
REMEMBER: Residents with mental illness have the right to participate in the planning of their care.

22. Transparency 20-4: NA’s Role in Caring for the Mentally Ill
Observe residents carefully for changes. Document and report.
Support the resident and family.
Encourage residents to do as much for themselves as possible.

23. 10. Identify important observations that should be made and reported
NAs should observe and report the following in residents with mental illness:
Changes in ability
Positive or negative mood changes (withdrawal)
Behavior changes
Comments about hurting self or others (including jokes)
Real or imagined physical symptoms
Events, situations, or people that provoke certain reactions

24. 11. List the signs of substance abuse
Define the following term: substance abuse the repeated use of legal or illegal drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol in a way that is harmful to oneself or others.

25. Transparency 20-5: Signs of Substance Abuse
Changes in physical appearance (red eyes, dilated pupils, weight loss)
Changes in personality (moodiness, strange behavior, disruption of routines, lying)
Irritability
Odor of cigarettes, liquor, or other substances on breath or clothes
Diminished sense of smell
Unexplained changes in vital signs
Loss of appetite
Inability to function normally
Need for money
Confusion or forgetfulness
Blackouts or memory loss
Frequent accidents
Problems with family or friends

26. 11. List the signs of substance abuse
REMEMBER: Illegal drugs are not the only substances that are abused. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can be abused if taken incorrectly or excessively.

27. 11. List the signs of substance abuse
Think about this question: What substances commonly found in the home could be abused?

28. 11. List the signs of substance abuse
REMEMBER: Residents who do not have doctors’ orders against drinking alcohol and who live in a facility where alcoholic beverages are allowed may drink alcohol if they wish to do so. NAs should not make judgments or gossip.