Module 1.1 : Promoting Mental Health

Question 1

Define ‘mental health ‘

Answer 1

A state of well-being in which every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productivity and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.

Question 2

Describe factors to promote and maintain positive mental health.

Answer 2

Physical well-being through diet, regular exercise, healthy sleep patterns, and recommend health checkups with GP.

Healthy mind through positive thoughts, expression and discussion of one’s feelings, and setting realistic goals.

Social well-being by spending time with family and friends (positive influences), develop new skills, enjoy hobbies, and engage in personal time.

Question 3

Define mental illness

Answer 3

Mental illness is a condition which causes serious disorder in a person’s behaviour or thinking.
Results from complex interactions between the mind, body, and environment.

Question 4

Describe factors that can contribute to the prevalence of mental illness. Consider the bio-psycho-social realms.

Answer 4

Biological factors- genetics, hormones, infection,brain defects or injury, substance abuse/misuse, prenatal damage, poor nutrition, exposure to toxins (eg. Lead).

Psychological factors- traumatic experience (abuse / neglect).

Social factors- dysfunctional family, isolation, bullying, feelings of inadequacy, social changes (new job/school, divorce, death of loved one), social expectations ( beauty = eating disorders)

Question 5

Define mental health promotion

Answer 5

The process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their health by understanding their potential, cope with normal stresses of life, and participate meaningfully within their communities.

Question 6

Describe the impact of mental illness on the individual, family, society and health care services.

Answer 6

Individuals and families- economic burden, loss of wages due to unemployment, discrimination, stigmatism, alienation/isolation, homelessness, physical illness and co-morbidity, loss of self-worth,loss of life (suicide).

Society and health-care services : economic burden, reduction in productivity within the work place, substance abuse/misuse, MI = higher poverty,