CHAPTER 10: MAINTENCE OF WELLBEING

Question 1

protective factor

Answer 1

something that enhances and helps to protect mental wellbeing and reduces the likelihood that mental ill-health will occur

Question 2

risk factor

Answer 2

something that increases the likelihood of experiencing mental ill-health, or can make existing mental health difficulties more severe or long lasting.

Question 3

biological protective factors

Answer 3

• adequate nutritional intake and hydration
• adequate sleep

Question 4

adequate nutritional intake and hydration

Answer 4

• eat a variety of foods
• drink lots of water
• don’t skip breakfast and try to eat regularly throughout the day
• don’t rely on vitamin/mineral supplements
• avoid heavily processed foods with surplus salt, sugar or fat
• don’t rely on drugs and alcohol

Question 5

adequate sleep

Answer 5

adequate sleep tends to be more about waking up feeling rested, refreshed and ready for the day and feeling positive about ourselves and our abilities, rather than getting a certain number of hours

Question 6

psychological protective factors

Answer 6

• cognitive behavioural strategies
• mindfulness meditation

Question 7

cognitive behavioural strategies

Answer 7

techniques drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to identify, assess and correct faulty patterns of thinking and problem behaviours that may be threatening or adversely affecting mental wellbeing.

Question 8

cognitive strategies

Answer 8

cognitive restructuring is the process of learning to identify, challenge, and modify or replace negative, irrational thoughts (or cognitive distortions) with more reasonable and helpful ways of thinking.
1. consider the evidence
2. is there an alternative explanation?
3. what would you say to a friend who is thinking like that?
4. what is the likelihood?
5. is there a more helpful way to think about this?

Question 9

behavioural activation/activity scheduling

Answer 9

involves identifying and scheduling activities that promote enjoyment or reduce stress.
1. monitor current activities
2. list activities associated with enjoyment:
3. plan to do enjoyable activities
4. complete planned activities
5. evaluate the schedule

Question 10

mindfulness meditation

Answer 10

a type of meditation in which a person focuses attention on their breathing, whilst thoughts, feelings, and sensations are experienced freely as they arise. It involves paying attention, noticing, experiencing, doing, and being, right here, right now.

Question 11

social protective factors

Answer 11

• social support refers to the assistance, care or comfort provided by people to each other, typically to help them cope with a stressor or mental health issue.
  1. validate first, reframe second
  2. avoid downward spirals
  3. be authentic and energising
  4. listen well
  5. be responsive, not dismissive

Question 12

cultural continuity

Answer 12

involves the preservation of all things to do with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture over time, and the sense of history, identity and belonging this provides.

Question 13

self-determination

Answer 13

refers to the right to freely determine or control their political status and freely pursue their cultural, social and economic development.