MODULE 1: Intro to the science of well-being, mental health and resiliency Flashcards
Well-being
Overall state of feeling comfortable, healthy, happy
Mental health
Psychological, emotional and social aspects of thinking, feeling and behaving; component of well-being
Analogy for mental health
Physical health
- physically healthy= body functioning
- good mental health= emotional system fucntioning
Analogy for well-being
Physical fitness
- physically fit= most out of body’s capabilities
- high well-being= living well and meaningful
Historical origins: African culture
Relationships with land and community members are imp to wellness
- Ubuntu- person cannot flourish in isolation but can grow in connection w others
Historical origins: Buddhism
Balance and harmony w self and environment
Components of overall well-being
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Supportive/secure environment
What is positive mental health made up of?
Emotional well-being, psychological functioning and social well-being
Emotional well being
Happy and satisfied w life
Psychological functioning
Positive functioning and self realization
Social well being
Positive social value
Factors that contribute to mental health
- Realizing your potential
- Emotional health
- Psychological health
- Social connectedness
Emotional health
Feelings and emotions
Ability to regulate your feelings across diff challenges, experiences and contexts
Psychological health
How you think about things and regulate your feelings
ex. self-reflect, problem solve
Social connectedness
Creating and maintaining good relationships w others and behaving in socially responsible and acceptable way
Mental health spectrum order (bottom top)
- Well
- Symptoms
- Concerns or problems
- Disorders or illness
Mental health spectrum: well
Feeling content, capable and happy
Mental health spectrum: symptoms
Experiences that may be associated with some distress but may be situational or transient
ie. anxiety, mood, sleep
Mental health spectrum: concerns or problems
Presence of symptoms that persist and are associated w distress or difficulty but not severe enough to be diagnosed
Mental health spectrum: Disorder or illness
Clinically diagnosed illness that require evidence based treatments; symptoms characterized by a disturbance in thought, feeling perception that negatively affects day-to-day functioning
Mental health and well-being- two parallel continuums
Can have a mental illness but have good well being OR may not have a mental illness but be experiencing significant distress
Importance of well-being and mental health in university students
Self reported rates of mental health problems have been increasing
Factors contributing to university students need for mental health services
- At risk age (transition to uni)
- Transition period (new academic, financial and social stressors)
- Vulnerable brain
- Lacking support
- Decrease in stigma
Factors that influence mental health and academic outcomes
- Family
- Personal (age, gender)
- Early environment
- Psychological (self awareness, compassion, resilience, mental health literacy, stigma)
- Lifestyle and behaviour