Mental Health Literacy & First Aid

Question 1

Health-Related Quality of Life:

Answer 1

“an individual’s or group’s perceived physical and mental health over time”

Individual and community level

Fosters public health surveillance and partnerships in and outside of healthcare

Explores the intersection of health and QOL

Question 2

Health Literacy is fundamental to:

Answer 2

improving a person’s health outcome

decreasing health inequities in populations

enhancing the operation of health systems

the development of health policy

Question 3

Mental Health Literacy

Answer 3

understanding how to obtain and maintain positive mental health

understanding mental disorders and their treatments

decreasing stigma related to mental disorders

enhancing help-seeking efficacy (knowing when and where to seek help and developing competencies designed to improve one’s mental health care and self- management capabilities)

Question 4

Mental Health… what does it mean to be literate in MH as a SPT/PT?

Answer 4

“knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention

knowledge -> action

Question 5

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Answer 5

excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months

3 or more of these symptoms:
> restlessness
> easily fatigued
> hard time concentrating
> irritability
> muscle tension
> sleep disturbance

Question 6

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Answer 6

Must satisfy 8 criteria:

A: Exposed to a stressor in a specific way
B: Intrusion symptoms (e.g. nightmares, flashbacks)
C: Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli (e.g. healthcare environment) D: Negative alterations in cognition and mood
E: Alterations in arousal and reactivity
F: Duration (symptoms > 1 month)
G: Symptoms create stress or functional impairment
H: Symptoms not due to medication, substance abuse, other illness

Question 7

Major Depression

Answer 7

depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day

markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities

significant weight loss or gain

insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day

psychomotor agitation or retardation

fatigue/loss of energy nearly every day

feelings of worthlessness

recurrent thoughts of death

Question 8

What is mental health first aid?

Answer 8

1. Prevention
2. Earlyintervention
3. Treatment

Question 9

Mental Health/Psychological First Aid

ALGEE: the action plan

Answer 9

A: assess for risk of suicide or harm

L: listen non-judgmentally

G: give re-assurance and information

E: encourage appropriate professional help

E: encourage self-help and other support strategies