Defining mental wellbeing Chapter 8 Flashcards
wellbeing
a state in which an individual is mentally, physically and socially healthy
mental wellbeing
an individual’s psychological state, including their ability to think, process information and regulate emotions
levels of functioning
the degree to which an individual can complete day-to-day tasks in an independent and effective manner
High levels of functioning
*can carry out basic everyday tasks, such as maintaining personal hygiene and dressing appropriately
*be productive in completing tasks
*set goals and take steps towards achieving them
*be independent
*adapt to changes in the environment
low levels of functioning
*struggle to carry out basic tasks
*feeling uncharacteristically lethargic or tired and thus be unproductive in achieving tasks
*lack direction or be able to set goals in life
*be unable to cope with changes in the environment
Resilience
the ability yo cope with and manage change and uncertainty
High levels of resilience
*seek solutions to problems
*use appropriate coping strategies
*be flexible in changing circumstances
*Be optimistic and hopeful
Low levels of resilience
*experience enduring feelings of being overwhelmed when problems arise
*rely on unhealthy or unhelpful coping strategies
*be unable to adapt to change
*lack hope and optimism
How is resilience a feature of an overall positive mental well being
-it leads to high self-esteem
-more confidence in carrying out tasks
-increased coping flexibility
social wellbeing
the ability for an individual to form and maintain meaningful bonds with others and adapt to different social situations
emotional wellbeing
the ability for an individual to appropriately control and express their own emotions in an adaptive way as well as understand others emotions
High levels of social well being
*having a strong support network
*be able to form and maintain meaningful relationships
*be able to effectively communicate with others
Low levels of social well being
*be isolated or lack support from others
*have difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful relationships
*struggle to effectively communicate
high levels of emotional wellbeing
*be aware of their own and others current emotions
*experience a wide range of emotions
*express emotions at appropriate times
Low levels of emotional wellbeing
*be unable to understand or name their own or others emotions
*feel numb or be unable to experience certain emotions
*express emotions inappropriately
Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB)
A framework that includes all elements of being and therefore wellbeing for aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Multidimensional
made up of different components
Holistic
reflects an approach to wellbeing that considers the whole person, including their mental, physical, spiritual and social needs
collectivist perspective
well being is grounded in a collectivist perspective, which means that the self is viewed as significantly linked to a family and community
Seven dimensions of wellbeing
Connection to body
connection to mind and emotions
connection to family
connection to community
connection to culture
connection to country
Connection spirituality
Connection to body
connecting to the physical body and health in order to participate fully in all aspects of life
*maintain healthy weight
*access to good nutrition
*manage illnesses and disability
connection to mind and emotions
Ability to effectively manage
thoughts and feelings.
- Maintaining self-esteem.
- Connecting to values and motivation.
- Having high levels of confidence.
- Maintaining a strong identity.
Connection
to Family and
Kinship
Connection to the immediate
and wider family group and
community
- Spending time within family groups
promotes a feeling of connection and
therefore wellbeing. - Caring for the ill is the responsibility of
all, not simply one’s biological parents
or children.
Connection to
Community
Connection to wider social
systems, providing individuals
and families the ability to
connect with and support
each other.
- Community services and support
networks. - The ability to maintain community
connections plays an integral role
in maintaining the wellbeing of
individuals
Connection to
Culture
A strong sense of identity,
values, tradition, and
connection between the past,
present, and future that drives
behaviour and beliefs.
- Elders passing on information and
tradition to future generations. - Speaking local languages.
- Attending cultural events.
- Participating in traditional rites and
rituals, which enable children to learn
about their culture’s value systems,
including those related to wellbeing.
Connection to
Country
The traditional lands of a
particular language or cultural
group, both geographically and
the spiritual, emotional, and
intellectual connections to and
within it.
*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
beliefs are tied heavily to the land and
how one lives on it. One should and
does not take more than one needs so
the land continues to thrive.
* Each person belongs to certain
territories within family and clan
groups, and by extension has spiritual
connections and obligations to the
associated land. Therefore, one belongs
to the land rather than the other way
around
Connection to
Spirituality
and Ancestors
Spirituality refers to a concept
that connects all things, and
shapes beliefs, values, and
behaviour. It guides knowledge
systems, culture, and all that
is life for Aboriginal people,
including connections to
ancestors, the past, the present,
and the future.
Ancestors refer to a belief
that a family and community’s
ancestors are interconnected
with Creation spirits and
Country and watch over,
guide, and protect families and
communities in the physical
and spiritual world.
Determinants of wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
These determinants circle the dimensions of wellbeing within SEWB framework, which signifies that experience of wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is impacted by wider societal forces
Social Determinants
The circumstances in which people grow, life and work and the systems put in place to deal with illness
- Socioeconomic status (level of wealth)
- The impact of poverty
- Unemployment
- Racial discrimination
Historical Determinants
The ongoing influence of events,
policies, and trauma on groups of people
- Colonisation and its legacy (for example, the ongoing loss of culture and language)
- The impact of past government policies (for example, policies of Aboriginal child removal)
Political determinants
Political policies that shape the process
of distributing resources and power to
individuals and communities, and create
or reinforce social and health inequalities
- Unresolved issues of land
- Control of local resources
- The rights of self-determination and sovereignty
mental wellbeing continuum
a tool used to track fluctuating mental wellbeing
What is the meaning of the statement “mental well being is dynamic”
mental well being is constantly changing
High levels of mental well being
- able to function independently within their everyday life
- able to cope with every day demands without showing an excessive level of distress and dysfunction
- still may experience stress, sadness, and anger, however, have high levels of mental wellbeing due to their ability to cope with these experiences, regulate emotions, and express them appropriately
moderate levels of mental wellbeing (middle of continuum)
less sever and more temporary in nature
* is not functioning at an optimal level
* experiences a temporary or moderate impact on mental wellbeing
* experiences amplified emotions and high levels of stress
* has difficulty concentrating
* is more likely to experience irrational thought patterns
low levels of mental wellbeing
- shows high levels of distress
- is unable to independently complete tasks and meet the demands of their environment
- is impacted for an extended period of time (more than two weeks or in line with advice from mental health professionals)
- may be diagnosed by a mental health professional and may be treated through psychotherapy or medication.
internal factors influencing mental wellbeing
factors that arise from within the individual
- Stress response
- Thought patterns
- Genetic predisposition
how do internal factors help maintain high levels of mental wellbeing
If a person has naturally optimistic thought patterns, they may be more likely to view difficult situations positively and thus protect their mental wellbeing
how do internal factors lead to low levels of mental wellbeing
If a person has a genetic predisposition (family history) to a mental health disorder, they may be more likely to develop one than someone who does not have the same genetic predisposition, leading to a greater likelihood of having low levels of mental wellbeing.
external factors influencing mental wellbeing
factors that arise from an individual’s environment.
- Loss of a significant relationship
- Level of education
- Experiencing difficulty within certain environments, such as at work or school
- Access to support services, such as medical and psychological treatment
how do external factors help maintain high levels of mental wellbeing
A person who has adequate access to support systems, like friends, family, or professional support, will have greater access to help when needed. This will help them maintain high levels of mental wellbeing, even in difficult circumstances.
how do external factors lead to low levels of mental wellbeing
The loss of a significant relationship can negatively impact mental wellbeing if not adequately addressed, which involves low levels of mental wellbeing
stress in relation to mental wellbeing
a psychological and physiological experience that occurs when an individual encounters something of significance that demands their attention and/or efforts to cope
*stress is a normal part of life and is not necessarily a sign of low levels of mental wellbeing
*stress is from a known cause and this differentiates it from anxiety.
*moderate to high level on continuum
anxiety in relation to mental wellbeing
a psychological and physiological response that involves feelings of worry and apprehension about a perceived threat. It can involve cautiousness regarding a potential danger, threat or negative event.
-Only negative feelings (distress)
-due to unknown stimulus
-future oriented
-moderate to high level on continuum
Why is stress and anxiety on the moderate to high part of the mental health continuum?
*people will experience both stress and anxiety
*usually don’t interfere or interrupt daily functioning and are not always a sign of low mental wellbeing
*some stress and anxiety can be adaptive for functioning as they can motivate people to take action
specific phobia in relation to mental wellbeing
a type of diagnosable anxiety disorder that is characterised by excessive and disproportionate fear when encountering or anticipating the encounter of a particular stimulus
-phobia is excessive
-sympathetic NS is dominant
-the response is to a known stimulus
-the phobia is persistent
-the feeling of fear is predominant
-affects daily functioning
-diagnosable mental disorder
-phobia is irrational
Role of nervous system in stress anxiety and specific phobia
ROLE OF NERVOUS SYSTEM:
-stress: sympathetic NS dominant
-anxiety: sympathetic NS dominant
-specific phobia: sympathetic NS dominant
Type of stimulus in stress anxiety and specific phobia
stress: known stimulus
anxiety: unknown stimulus
specific phobia: known stimulus
Associated emotions in stress anxiety and specific phobia
stress: positive (excitement) or negative (nervousness)
anxiety: apprehension, unease, worry
specific phobia: fear is disproportionate/excessive
eustress or distress in stress anxiety and specific phobia
stress: eustress and distress
anxiety: distress
specific phobia: distress
is stress anxiety and specific phobia adaptive or maladaptive?
stress: adaptive in short term and maladaptive when it becomes persistent
anxiety: adaptive in short term and maladaptive when it becomes persistent
specific phobia: always maladaptive
place on mental wellbeing continuum for stress anxiety and specific phobia
stress: low-high
anxiety: low-high
specific phobia: low
