Defining mental health

Question 1

Define the mental health.

Answer 1

A state of well being in which an individual realises their own worth and abilities, and can cope with the normal stressors of life.

Question 2

Define the mental health continuum.

Answer 2

Mental health is represented on a continuum, ranging form mentally healthy to mental disorder, with mental health problem being the mean between the two.

Question 3

What are some characteristics of mentally healthy on the mental health continuum?

Answer 3

Functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioural adjustment.
Psychological well being.
Can cope with stressors.
Can form positive relationships. 
Few sleep difficulties. 
Physically/ socially active.

Question 4

What are some characteristics of mental health problems on the mental health continuum?

Answer 4

Disruption to normal level of social/ emotional well being.
Mild to moderate stress.
Difficulties in coping with stressors.
Some changes to sleep patterns and appetite.
Loss of energy and difficulty concentrating.

Question 5

What are some characteristics of mental disorders on the mental health continuum?

Answer 5

Emotional difficulties that lead to behavioural impact.
Psychological dysfunction.
Marked distress and ongoing impairment.
Significant change in appetite and sleep patterns.
Withdrawal from social/ physical activities.

Question 6

Define predisposing risk factors.

Answer 6

Increase in a persons vulnerability to developing a mental health problem. Eg family history, physical illness, environmental exposures pre birth, etc.

Question 7

Define precipitating risk factors.

Answer 7

Those that trigger the onset of a mental health problem or mental disorder by events/ problems occurring before and inducing the illness. Eg poor sleep, substance use, confronting news, etc.

Question 8

Define perpetuating risk factors.

Answer 8

Those that prolong the course of the problem or disorder and inhibit recovery. Eg poor response to medication, substance abuse, impaired cognitive functions, etc.

Question 9

Define protective factors.

Answer 9

Those that enhance or have a positive effect on the health of the individual. Eg resilient attitude, positive social group, employment, suitable accommodation, etc.

Question 10

Outline three characteristics of a mentally healthy person.

Answer 10

Levels of functioning. Being able to involve oneself in the community and undertake everyday tasks.
Social/ emotional well being. Social well being is a sense of belonging to a community. Emotional well being is experiencing positive emotions a generally feeling satisfied with life.
Resilience. The ability to adapt and overcome life’s challenges and maintain emotional/ social well being.

Question 11

What are two ethical considerations that must be adhered to when conducting an experiment involving mental illness?

Answer 11

Must gain voluntary consent and they must be informed of the study (also over 18).