Y10 Psychology - Mental Health and Wellbeing

what is mental health?

the state of well-being of a person, including their ability to cope with stressors, work productively, and understand their own capabilities and contributions to the community

What are the four pillars of mental health?

Physical health

Emotional health

Cognitive health

Social health

what is mental illness?

Also known as a mental disorder, it is a health problem that significantly affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves in the short term or long term, as well as the people around them.

how are mental illnesses diagnosed?

by health professionals such as doctors and psychologists, using the standardised criteria of the DMS-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition; American Psychiatric Association, 2013e)

what are the inclusions of the DSM-5?

Adequate scientific literature supporting its validity.

Clearly specified diagnostic criteria.

Evidence of inter-clinician reliability.

Demonstration that the condition forms a distinct syndrome.

Differentiation from other disorders

what are the exclusions of the DSM-5?

There is insufficient scientific literature.

Coverage of the condition is extremely low.

Diagnostic bias exists

Categories referring to demonstrable diseases are generally not excluded even if they meet these criteria.

what are some categories of the DSM-5?

anxiety disorders

personality disorders

sleeping disorders

eating disorders

depressive disorders

what is the BPS?

the bio-psycho-social model of health to consider physical health, including risk factors and protective factors. A comprehensive framework for understanding health and illness. It emphasises the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in determining overall well-being

what factors of the BPS are internal and which are external?

Bio and Psycho are internal factors, while social is external

what are biological risk factors in relation to the BPS?

Genetic predispositions (e.g., family history of mental illness or chronic diseases, body composition, age, gender, background)

Physical illnesses or injuries (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or head trauma).

Neurochemical imbalances or hormonal issues (e.g., thyroid dysfunction)

what are psychological risk factors in relation to the BPS?

Maladaptive coping mechanisms (e.g., substance abuse or avoidance behaviours).

Negative thought patterns or cognitive distortions (e.g., catastrophizing, self-blame).

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

what are sociological risk factors in relation to the BPS?

Lack of social support or isolation.

Socioeconomic challenges (e.g., poverty, unemployment, unsafe living conditions).

Cultural stigma surrounding mental health or healthcare access barriers.

what are biological protective factors in relation to the BPS?

Good physical health and absence of genetic vulnerabilities.

Access to preventive healthcare and proper nutrition.

Regular physical activity.

What are psychological protective factors in relation to the BPS?

Positive coping strategies (e.g., mindfulness, problem-solving skills).

High self-esteem and optimism.

History of successful management of stressors or challenges.

What are sociological protective factors in relation to the BPS?

Strong social networks and family support systems.

Stable employment and financial security.

Access to community resources and culturally sensitive healthcare services.

what is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

what is ADHD characterised by?

patterns of

Impulsiveness

Inattention

Hyperactivity

Emotional regulation difficulties

is ADHD treatable?

yes, Interventions or treatments for ADHD can be very effective

what is the most common mental disorder among Australian children and teenagers?

ADHD

what are stigmas?

A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. A set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.

For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD?

behaviours of impulsiveness, inattention and hyperactivity to exist over six months across a variety of settings

what is anxiety (generalised anxiety disorder - GAD)?

an extreme level of fear that interferes with one’s daily routines and ability to function

when does anxiety often begin?

in adolescence - the stress of being a teenager, growing up, changes, pressure, assessments, performance expectations, academic goals, school

do females or males experience more psychological distress?

Young females experience twice the level of psychological distress and anxiety than young males

is anxiety treatable?

yes

what are 4 main features of anxiety?

1. extreme worry, or anxiety, for at least six months about several events or activities

2. difficulty in controlling anxiety

3. at least three other symptoms of the following:

• restlessness (feeling on edge)

• being easily fatigued

• irritability

• muscle tension

• difficulty concentrating

• sleep problems

4. the anxiety is not due to substance use or another medical condition.

what is depression?

a mental illness characterised by sadness, loss of interest and pleasure in life, and other negative emotions

when does depression often begin?

in adolescence as they are more at risk of depression, having major stresses in life or someone in their family suffering from depression

what often happens to males with depression?

Depression in males is not often recognised, as they feel as if they must mask their emotions to appear “strong” or “in control” - leading to substance abuse to cope, making the symptoms of depression worse

how common is depression in Australians?

One in five Australians will suffer from depression at some point in their lifetime

how do stigmas effect people with depression?

In Australia, four out of five young people will not seek support for depression because they are worried about what others might think of them

is depression treatable?

yes

what is required for a person to be diagnosed with depression?

the person must be experiencing at least five depressive symptoms during the same two-week period

what are the common signs and symptoms of depression?

depressed mood for most of the day; tearfulness, sadness or ‘feeling blue’

lost interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed

slowed thoughts and slowed actions

fatigue

irritability

weight change and appetite change

sleep problems

feelings of worthlessness, guilt

thoughts about death

indecisiveness.

what is conduct disorder?

a mental illness characterised by antisocial behaviour, including persistent and repetitive behaviour where the social rules and basic rights of others are infringed upon

what happens if conduct disorder persists into adulthood?

sufferers are diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (APD) which is a disorder not possible for those under 18 to have

what are people with conduct disorder at a greater risk of?

depression, anxiety and substance-related disorders

what are the 4 main types of behaviour that sufferers of conduct disorder demonstrate?

Aggressive conduct

Destruction of property

Deceitfulness or theft

Serious violations of rules

is conduct disorder treatable?

yes

what is the most common childhood and adolescent mental disorder in the world and the fourth in Australia?

conduct disorder

what percentage of children suffer from conduct disorder?

4-10 percent, particularly boys

what are children with conduct disorder more likely to do?

commit crimes and use drugs

what is required for a person to be diagnosed with conduct disorder?

three or more of the conduct disorder behaviours across 12 months across a variety of settings

what is mental literacy?

the knowledge and beliefs about mental issues that help people recognise, manage and prevent mental health conditions.

what are the several protective factors relating to mental health literacy and a good mental health?

sleep

diet

exercise

relaxation techniques

socialising

purposeful activity

Pets

avoiding or reducing the use of alcohol and other drugs

Looking for help when it is needed

what does a lack of sleep result in?

poor concentration, mood swings, impaired performance, an impaired immune system, slowed reaction time and poor memory

how can one improve their sleep?

Regular sleep patterns

Avoiding light before bed

Avoiding naps

Relaxation before bed

Avoidance of stimulants such as caffeine before bed

what diets are problematic for the brain, worsening symptoms of mental illnesses?

Diets high in low-premium foods such as sugar

how can one improve their diet?

Eating good-quality and premium foods (reference Australian Guide to Healthy Eating) enhances mental health

Follow the healthy food plate, and eat more of the larger portions of the plate (grains, vegetables and fruit) and less of the smaller portions (such as dairy).

pay attention to how we feel after we have eaten something.

why does what we eat impact how we feel?

the production of serotonin is affected by what we eat

what does exercise do for mental health?

Releases endorphins (a natural painkiller)

Exercise tenses muscles, encouraging relaxation afterwards

Strengthens the heart and lungs, improving the ability to cope with stress

Can be social with teammates and friends

A distraction from worries and a mental break from pressures

how do relaxation techniques improve mental health?

Lower the heart rate and blood pressure, improve mood and sleep quality, reduce negative emotions such as anger or frustration, and reduce the activity of stress hormones

Calming, increasing awareness, turning focus inwards

how may relaxation techniques decrease mental health?

Relaxation may be a negative experience for some people as it increases their intrusive thoughts and anxiety, as there is a heavy focus on oneself

how can one optimise the impact of relaxation techniques?

finding what method works best for you and practising it in the long term

what are examples of relaxation techniques?

Autogenic training - self-generated, physical sensations in different areas of the body

Meditation - many ways; however, it is common for meditation to feature a focus of attention, an open attitude, a comfortable posture, a quiet location

Massage

Deep breathing

Yoga

Tai chi - chinese philosophy

Aromatherapy

Muscle relaxation

Guided visualisation

Music and/or art therapy

biofeedback

how does socialising improve one’s mental health?

Social isolation harms mental health, socialising has the opposite effect

Social support, interactions and activities help people form new relationships and find a sense of belonging in the community

what is social capital?

the time we have to devote to social interactions

how can one maximise the benefits of socialising?

Simply increasing the number of friends you have is not necessarily effective, as this can be stressful and overwhelming, leading to the loss of one's “social battery” - Investing in a few strong friendships is proven to be more effective than many weak ones

how can one improve their socialising?

making time for family and friends

joining a group or club that shares an interest with you, such as a drama club or a running club

Introducing yourself to your neighbours or people you see frequently.

what is purposeful activity?

Refers to any activity that gives people meaning and satisfaction with their life

Personal and can include work, hobbies, volunteering or recreational activities

how can pets improve mental health?

Make excellent companions and also encourage people to lead more active lives

Exercise (ie walking the dog)

Reducing stress - decreases blood pressure (ie patting a pet, watching fish in an aquarium)

Socialising (ie taking pets to parks or beaches)

Purposeful activity - feeling a sense of purpose and responsibility for your pet

how do alcohol and drugs impact mental health?

by changing the ways the brain and body operate?

how can you improve the ability to avoid alcohol and drugs?

not storing alcohol or other drugs in your house

Hanging out with friends who do not use alcohol or other drugs

Choosing drinks with less alcohol content or choosing non-alcoholic drinks

Letting your friends and family know you are trying to decrease the amount of alcohol or drugs you are consuming so that you have their understanding and support.

how can looking for help when its needed benefit mental health?

fighting against stigmas, getting support, feeling heard, talking and discussing, comforting one another

where can one get help?

Mental health professionals

School counsellor/psychologist

Online organisations

headspace (mental health service for ages 12–25) and eheadspace (online and phone support)

Lifeline (support for anyone having a personal crisis) – call 13 11 14, 24 hours a day

Kids Helpline (telephone and online counselling for ages 5–25) – call 1800 55 1800

ReachOut.com (youth mental health service) – online help

SANE Australia (people living with a mental illness) – call 1800 187 263

Suicide Call Back Service (anyone thinking about suicide) – call 1300 659 467.