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Difference between mental health and mental disorders

Mental health describes an overall state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that enables coping with everyday life, whereas a mental disorder is a clinically diagnosed illness that significantly impairs cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning.

Main function of the human brain

Serves as the central control organ of the body, processing sensory input, regulating autonomic bodily functions, directing movement, and coordinating cognitive and emotional processes.

Therapeutic approaches for treating mental disorders

Primary interventions include psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), pharmacotherapy (such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers), and somatic treatments (such as electroconvulsive therapy).

Common symptoms of depressive disorders

Persistent sadness or emptiness, anhedonia (loss of interest in pleasurable activities), marked shifts in sleep or appetite, profound fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

Anxiety disorder

A mental health condition characterized by excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable worry, fear, or dread that interferes with daily life and normal functioning.

Positive psychology

The scientific study of the strengths, virtues, and psychological factors that enable individuals and communities to thrive, experience happiness, and achieve psychological well-being.

Impact of sleep on health

Supports immune defense, cardiovascular maintenance, cellular repair, memory consolidation, and hormonal balance, whereas chronic sleep deprivation increases risks of metabolic dysfunction and chronic illness.

Impact of spirituality on health

Fosters personal meaning and purpose, enhances psychological resilience, reduces perceived stress, and provides adaptive coping strategies during illness or adversity.

Dimensions of health

The interconnected components of overall well-being, typically encompassing physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational health.

Health and wellness

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being rather than solely the absence of disease, whereas wellness is an active, ongoing process of adopting behaviors to attain optimal health.

Impact of college-formed habits on future health

Behavioral patterns established during college regarding nutrition, physical activity, alcohol consumption, sleep, and stress management frequently persist throughout adulthood, shaping long-term chronic disease risks.

Stressors

Specific physical, psychological, or environmental events, stimuli, or demands that disrupt internal equilibrium and trigger a stress response.

Gender differences in perceived stress levels

Population surveys consistently show that women report higher average levels of perceived stress than men and experience more associated emotional and physical symptoms.

Nutrient group required by the body in the greatest amounts (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water)

Macronutrients

Nutrient group that includes sugars

Carbohydrates

Percentage of American adults who are overweight or obese

Approximately $70\%$ to $74\%$ of adults, with obesity alone affecting more than $40\%$ of the adult population according to federal health surveillance data.

Impacts of a stroke

Can cause unilateral motor paralysis (hemiplegia), speech and language deficits (aphasia), cognitive and memory impairments, sensory changes, and reduced functional independence.

Functional fitness

A training approach designed to develop muscular strength, joint mobility, core stability, and neuromuscular coordination required to perform daily physical activities safely and efficiently.

Intimacy

A close interpersonal bond defined by deep emotional connection, open communication, mutual vulnerability, trust, and validation.