Module 5: Mental Health Awareness: Prevention, Early Recognition, and Support Flashcards
What is managing distress
-being able to manage distress refers to learning how to cope with negative or difficult emotional status
What is the “tipping point”
-is the point at which someone begins showing signs and symptoms of the strain/burden of perceived stress
Components of the stress diathesis model
-stress
-diathesis
Stress in the stress-diathesis model
-stress triggers several interconnected biological systems
-body adapts to this stress through allostasis
Diathesis in the stress diathesis model
-refers to the concept of vulnerability
-can be biological through genetic inheritance, a psychosocial vulnerability created by exposure to a stressor early in life
Steps in brain plasticity due to stress
- the brain and regulation
- stress
- stress and health
- brain structure
- The brain and regulation
-the brain is central to stress diathesis model
-determines what are threatening and what are positive experiences
- Stress
-stress if manageable can lead to positive growth and adaptation
- Stress and health
-too much stress, takes a toll on the brain and body, and is associated with mental and physical health outcomes
- Brain structure
-when stressed, the brain changes its structure in an adaptive or maladaptive way in response
-the loss of resilience is a key feature of disorders related to stress
The brain and perceived stress
-given your genetics and life experiences, your brain reacts differently to the same stress
Physiologic responses to stress
-brain then controls and coordinates physiological and behavioural response to perceived stress
-this can include metabolism, heart rate, anxiety levels, emotions etc
-responses result though signalling of various systems including HPA axis
Allostatic load and stress
-wear and tear on body and brain from chronic disregulation
Interventions that can relieve allostatic load
-healthy diet
-regular cardiovascular exercise
-social support
-connectedness
-good quality sleep
How does genotype and environment interact to influence susceptibility to experiences
-reduces risks
-flourish
Reduces risks
-genetic make-up interacts with life experiences good and bad to determine resiliency and sensitivity to stress
-developing health ways to cope can reduce risk
Flourish
-young people are at a particularly important time in development when a healthy lifestyle together with accelerated brain development increases the likelihood of positive effects on well being
Most common mental health disorders in canada
-anxiety
-depression
Rates of depression and anxiety among canadian youth
-similar numbers among youth compared to the general population
Are depression and anxiety disorders more prevalent in females or males
-more prevalent in in females
Emotional signs and symptoms of anxiety
-feeling on edge
-feeling irritable
-not fully enjoying things
Physical signs and symptoms of anxiety
-restlessness
-chest tightness
-muscle tension
-shortness of breath
-headaches
-sweaty palms
-changes in appetite
Behaviour signs and symptoms of anxiety
-avoidance of feared situations
-short temper and at times angry
-difficulty sleeping
-difficulty concentrating
Cognitive signs and symptoms of anxiety
-apprehension
-over-worry
-distracted
Emotional signs and symptoms of depression
-feeling sad
-non-reactive mood
-feeling despair
-loss of enjoyment of normally enjoyable experiences
Physical signs and symptoms of depression
-changes in sleep
-changes in appetite
-feeling slowed down in movements, or agitated and restless
-pain, headaches
Behavioural signs and symptoms of depression
-withdrawing from friends and family
-staying in more, missing work or university
Cognitive signs and symptoms of depression
-feelings of guild
-suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness
-difficulty concentrating
-dwelling on the negative
-thinking over past bad memories and experiences
-difficulty making decisions
Indicators differentiating stress from mental health disorders
-disproportionate reaction
-time
-impairment
-out of character
Disproportionate reaction
-severity or intensity of symptoms and level of distress are disproportionate to the situation
Time
-symptoms persistent for an extended period of time
Impairment
-symptoms are associated with impairment and interfere with day-to-day life
Out of character
-others notice that the person does not seem themselves or is “off”
Aspects of a mental disorder diagnosis
-mental health concerns and conditions require assessment by a mental health professional who takes into account the whole person