Mental Health and Physical Activity Flashcards
Def: Mental Health
State of successful performance of mental function; results in productive activities, fulfilling relationships and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity
Def: Mental Health Disorder
Condition characterized by altered thinking, mood or behaviour; distress and/or impaired functioning
Def: Mental Illness
Refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders
What is the difference between mental health problems and mental health disorders?
Symptoms are sufficient to warrant efforts in health promotion, prevention and treatment; but not enough symptoms for diagnosis
Def: Anxiety and what are 4 symptoms?
Distress of uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune
Perception of the threat is disproportionate to the actual threat
Anxiety lasts far longer than the stressor
Occurs in the absence of stressors
State vs trait anxiety
State anxiety: short emotional state. feelings of apprehension, heightened autonomic nervous system activity
Trait anxiety: A more general predisposition to respond with apprehension, worry and nervousness across many situations
How do we tell the difference between normal and clinical anxiety?
Clinical anxiety is distinguished from ‘normal’ based on the number and intensity of symptoms, and the degree of suffering and dysfunction
What is PTSD?
Anxiety and behavioural disturbances following exposure to extreme trauma (e.g. combat, physical assault) which persist for more than one month
Who is most at risk for developing PTSD?
Those with occupations that have an increased risk for exposure to traumatic events. Repeat events increase risk of development
What are some signs that your client might be depressed?
Starts missing or cancelling appointments last minute
Extremely irritable
Drastic mood changes
Difficulty focusing on exercises/workout
What do we know about the relationship between exercise and depression?
Lack of PA has been associate with increase in mental health problems
Exercise has been shown to be as effective or more effective in treatment of depression. Treatment is enhanced when a combo of traditional treatment (psychotherapy, meds, etc) is paired with exercise
What do we NOT know about the relationship between exercise and depression?
We do not know the optimal dose of exercise for depression treatment
Time/frequency not known for optimal results
Intensity findings inconclusive; all intensity levels help, but different intensity levels have shown greater reduction than others
What are some of the mechanisms that have been put forward as to why exercise helps with mental health?
- Anthropological hypothesis
- Ancestors exercised to survive; modern day we don’t have to - Distraction hypothesis
- Exercise provides a distraction from everyday problems - Mastery/self efficacy hypothesis
- Mastering a new skill makes us feel great - Social interaction hypothesis
- Exercise spaces provide a social benefit that may help with mental health
