Mental Health (ONLINE COURSE)

FUCK THE COURSE

Why is it important to be literate in health and mental health

1980s in Canada health professionals noticed low levels of mental health literacy in the population, Since the 1990s many studies have shown having low levels of mental health literacy and health associated with poor health outcomes and increased care

Health Literacy

The ability to access, understand, evaluate and communicate information as a way to promote, maintain and improve health in a variety of settings across the life course

High level of health literacy

learn how to effectively manage your health, know when and how to access appropriate health services, understand and carry out health care instructions, follow health care regimens recommended to you by a health care provider, evaluate health information well enough to be able to make informed decisions about your health, make lifestyle changes to support your health, communicate health information (E.g. sharing info with others)

1990s Australian professor Dr. Anthony Jorm recognized that health literacy didn’t address mental health, so he introduced the Mental Health Literacy which looks at: how to recognize mental health conditions, how to reduce stigma around mental health problems. how and when to seek help for mental health concerns and for maintaining good mental health and well being, how to respond to others with mental health concerns, how to prevent mental health concerns from developing into a mental illness

Knowledge of mental health problems

causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, lived experience, worldviews of mental health

Stigma around mental health concerns

self stigma, public stigma, structural stigma

Help Seeking

when where and how to seek help, Barriers and facilitators, navigating help, self advocacy, treatment

Helping Others

recognize, respond, refer, respect

Prevention

self help, self care, resilience, well being

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid was developed in 2001 by nurse and health educator Betty Kitchener and her husband Anthony Jorm, regarded as an effective program and has spread to over 20 countries including Canada, MHFA give a good education on a number of mental health conditions with a focus on teaching skills for responding to individuals experiencing a mental health emergency

MHL Initiatives in Canada

Canadian psychiatrists Dr. Stanley Kutcher and Dr. Yifeng Wei are leaders in the development and implantation of The Mental Health and High School Curriculum Guide (The Guide) which is delivered to students age 12-19 and has shown to be effective in improving student awareness in mental health, developed “Transitions” which helps students transitioning from high school to college, mental health is low in secondary students and especially low in male students

How common are mental health problems

1 in 5 Canadians/year

By age 40?

50% have/had a mental health problem

Why is MHL important

helps recognize problems and seek help

Who is especially at risk

Ages 15-24

What does higher MHL lead to

More help seeking

What is a major problem among students

many with anxiety/depression dont seek help

Why teach MHL in university

courses can improve mental health promotion

Are courses or workshops more effective

Courses were found more effective

Does MHL develop quickly

no its a process

How can MHL improve

experience and looking inward/outward

Are MHL programs effective

generally positive outcomes and effectiveness varies

Is MHL literate or not

no it exists on a continuum

Why do definitions of health matter

They shape how we understand health and respond to others

Biomedical Model

separates mind and body and focuses on diagnosing/treating illness

How does the biomedical model classify people

sick vs well / normal vs not normal

What is a key limitation of the Biomedical model

it can reinforce stigma and inequality

What is the biopsychosocial (BPS) model

health involves biological, physiological, and social factors

Why is BPS considered holistic

it recognizes the connection between mind, body, and social environment

What does the Indigenous holistic worldview emphasize

physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health

What is a key principle in Indigenous health worldview

Connectedness- everything is related

What is the Biopsychosocial Spiritual model

BPS + the spiritual dimension of health

How does the WHO define health

complete physical, mental, and social well being, not just absence of illness

How does the WHO define mental heatlh

well being, coping with stress, functioning productively, and contributing to the community

How does CMHA define mental heatlh

Well being and the ability to enjoy life and handle challenges

Is mental health binary

No it exists on a continuum

What are the four stages of the mental health continuum

health → reacting → injured → unwell

Healthy

normal functioning for you

Reacting

Mild, common, reversible, distress

Healthy

normal functioning for you

Reacting

mild, common, reversible distress

Injured

Moderate disruption and significant impairment

Unwell

severe, persistent disruption and impairment

What is wellness

An active process of making choices toward a better life

What is well being

a positive outcome where people perceive their lives as going well

Can someone have a mental illness and still be well

Yes

What is the two continuum model

Mental health and mental illness are separate continuums

Can someone have good mental health with a mental illness

yes

can someone have poor mental health without a mental illness

yes

What is flourishing

feeling good and functioning well

What is languishing

lower level of mental well being/functioning

what does holistic wellness mean

different areas of wellness are connected and affect each other

Give an example of interconnected wellness

financial problems can affect emotions, academics, and social life

Mental Distress

comes from day to day challenges and stresses of life

Mental health problems also known as (mental health issues or mental health concerns)

problems that arise from dealing with life events and challenges bigger then day to day (E.g. loss of income, death of a loved one)

Mental health conditions (mental health disorders, mental illnesses)

meet diagnostic criteria outlined by the mental profession and need treatment