mental health as a continium

Question 1

mental health continuum

Answer 1

a tool used to track mental health, which constantly fluctuates, progressing from mentally healthy, to mental health problem, to mental disorders

Question 2

mentally healthy

Answer 2

involves an individual who is able to meet the demands of everyday life and function independently within their environment, display resilience and have high social and emotional wellbeing.

Question 3

mental health problem

Answer 3

temporarily impacts an individuals mental health leading to dysfunction or distress for a short period of time. the impact of a mental health problem is likely to be less profound than a mental health disorder.

Question 4

mental illness/ disorder

Answer 4

mental illness that affects one or more functions of the mind. A mental illness can interfere with a persons thoughts, emotions, perceptions and behaviors

Question 5

external factor

Answer 5

factors which arise from the environment of an individual and contribute to their mental health. eg peer support

Question 6

internal factor

Answer 6

factors which arise from within an individual and contribute to their mental health . example genetic predisposition

Question 7

characteristics of a mentally healthy person

Answer 7

high levels of functioning- involves the ability to carry
out everyday tasks effectively and meet demands
Resilience- Involves the ability to adapt to the
environment and return to a functioning state after
being exposed to stressors or adversity
Social Wellbeing- involves the ability to create and
maintain positive and satisfying relationships with
others and is supported by strong communication
skills, and a support network
Emotional Wellbeing- Involves the ability to
appropriately express and control your own
thoughts, feelings and behaviors, supported by
expressing a range of emotions in appropriate
situations.

FOR EXAMPLE,
Ethan is likely to be placed at the mental health problem category, on the mental health continuum. This is due to him temporarily not functioning, as seen through his inability to cope with everyday tasks such as brushing his teeth and his inability to maintain positive relationships for the pass 2 weeks.