Life orientation

Active choices

Things people do that negatively affects their health

passive choices

Things people neglect to do that leads to poor health

Examples of negative life choices

Substance abuse
Alcohol abuse
Lack of exercise
Unhealthy sexual relationships
Smoking
Lack of sleep

Examples of healthy life choices

exercising regularly
Having healthy sexual relationships
Staying away from harmful substances
Sleeping enough
Have a balanced diet

What are the benefits to health life choices

Better mental and physical health along
Reduce in chances of obesity

What is Mental health

The emotional, psychological and social well-being of a person based on their biology, environment and experiences

What is emotional wellbeing

Understanding and recognizing emotions

What is psychological wellbeing

Perception of quality of life and purpose

Social wellbeing

Sense of belonging and inclusion

What is the stigma towards mental illness

That people with mental illness are “crazy” or “weak”

What is depression

A serious mental illness that affects the body, mind, mood and behavior

What are some effects of depression

lasting sadness, irritability, guilt, and thoughts of suicide and death

What is major depression

Major depression is very common and its causes are lack of interest and intense sadness. Normally lasts 2 weeks.

What is bipolar

A mental health condition that causes the person to have mood swings between manic and depressive moods

What is Dysthymia

A long-term, mild form of depression that can last for years

What is postpartum depression

Depression that occurs after birth towards the mother which makes it difficult to take care of the baby

Seasonal affective disorder

A type of depression that occurs during a specific season, mostly winter

Psychotic depression

A severe form of depression that involves hallucinations and delusions

Atypical depression

A type of depression where the person can experience temporary improvements in mood when something good happens

Situational depression

A short term type of depression that occurs after a stressful event

What are some emotional symptoms of depression

Guilt, sadness and irritability

What are some causes of depression

Genetics
Imbalance in brain chemicals
Chronic illness or medical conditions
external factors

What are some behavioural symptoms of depressions

Fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite and substance abuse

What are some tips to manage stress and anxiety

Identify the stressors
Develop HEALTHY coping strategies
Seek help

What are the 5 points of criteria to determine if someone has major depressive disorder

Loss in interest of pleasure
Depresses mood
Change in appetite or eating habits
Fatigue
Feelings of guilt
Cognitive difficulties

How is depressions treated

With anti-depressions

How effective are anti-depressants

Approximately 70% of people have a good recovery with anti-depressants

Considerations when taking anti-depressants

Effective dose
Sufficient time

What are the 4 types of antidepressants

1.) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
2.) Tricyclics
3.) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
4.) And others like efexor

Dosage guidance

Take the antidepressants with a few hours between them, do not double dose

Can alcohol be taken with anti-depressants

Yes they can, but it is not advised as it slows down the effectiveness of the anti-depressant

When do you stop antidepressants

About 4-6 months in most individuals and do not stop abruptly

When is it recommended you stop taking anti-depressants

After 1 single episodes, it is recommended that you take it for 6-12 months

Are anti depressants addictive

No they are not

How can you prevent future episodes from occurring

Follow the recommended duration of anti-depressants

What are some methods of easing depression

Relaxation techniques
Life style changes
Diet
Avoiding props
Taking breaks

What are some relaxation techniques to ease depression

Exercises, meditation, massages , calming music

How does change in life style ease depression

Self-management: focus on yourself and your own wellbeing
Perfectionism: Recognize that no one is perfect as the feelings of being perfect can lead to feelings of worthiness

How does having a balanced diet ease depression

Have a balanced diet to reduce fatigue and feeling run down

How does avoiding props ease depression

Stay away from harmful substances as they can make you feel terrible and lead to depression

How does taking a break ease depression

Taking time off and time to relax can provide a mental reset

What are the four ways to support a family member with depression

1.) provide a supportive environment
2.) Manage expectations- don’t expect them to cheer up immediately
3.) Be sensitive and normal
4.) Encourage professional help

What are three signs of suicide risk

Talking about death or suicide
Planning for suicide
Severe depression marked by deep sadness

What are 4 help lines for anxiety, suicidal thoughts or depression

1.)South African Depression and anxiety group
2.) Lifeline
3.) Childline
4.) Rape crisis

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about different aspects of life, this causes restlessness and fatigue

Social Phobia (Social anxiety)

it is characterized by an intense fear of being humiliated or embarrassed in social situations

What is separation anxiety

Anxiety that occurs when a child or adult is away or separated from home and loved ones. This can cause panic attacks

Panic Attack

Involves when a person has recurring and unexpected panic attacks, they are sudden periods of intense fear

Is GAD more common in women or men

Women

What are 3 symptoms of GAD

Sleep disturbances
Physical symptoms- muscle tension, nausea
Emotional symptoms- feelings of restlessness

What is a misconception between shyness and social anxiety?

That they are the same thing but the are not. Shyness is just feeling uncomfortable in social conditions, whereas social anxiety is more severe and reoccurring

What is the most common form is social anxiety

Public speaking

At what age is it common for people to develop social anxiety

15-20

What causes panic attacks?

The heightened state of alertness can trigger panic attacks

Does men or women experience panic attacks more

Women

Can panic attacks occur in any age?

yes but more common in children

What are some treatments for social anxiety

1.) Medications- anti-depressants
2.) Psychological treatment- Therapy
3.) Training social skills
4.) Exposure therapy- gradually expose the person to fearful situations
5.) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- Changing negative thought patterns that contributes to anxiety

What is neurodivergent

When a persons brain operates and functions different to a average person ”neurotypical”

What are some common symptoms of neurodivergence

Struggling to read or write
Struggle with concentrating and staying still

Is neuro-divergence a clinical diagnosis

No it is the umbrella term of other conditions like ADHD or Dyslexia

How can you treat ADHD

Behavioral therapy

How can you treat dyslexia

Specialized education interventions

Borderline personality disorder

It is characterized by significant mood instability and challenges in interpersonal relationships

What are some symptoms of BPD

Impulsivity- do things without thinking of consequences
Self harming- Engaging in self harm to cope with emotional pain
Negative self image
Feelings of emptiness
Identity confusion

What are the two triggers for BPD

Rejection or abandonment
Traumatic memories

What is a treatment for BPD

Psychotherapy, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy which focuses on skills for emotion regulation

What are the two episodes for people with Bipolar Disorder

Manic and Depressive (manic is excited)

What are the manic symptoms of Bipolar disorder

Increased energy
excitement
impulsiveness
Agitation

What are the depressive symptoms of Bipolar disorder

Lack of energy
Feelings of worthiness
Low self-esteem

Treatment for bipolar disorder

Mood stabilization, such as lithium, to help the frequency and intensity of mood episodes

Can Bipolar be cured

No it cannot, it is considered a life long conditions but it can be treated

What is eating disorder

Severe disturbances in eating behaviors, often accompanied by distressing thoughts and emotions

What are the two eating disorders

Anorexia Nervosa-intense fear of gaining weight
Bulimia Nervosa- episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting on purpose

What are some symptoms of eating disorder

Mood swings
Fatigue, fainting
Solo dining-prefer eating alone
Hiding food- or discarding of food
Fixation on food and weight

Treatment for eating disorder

Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT)
Medication: Medication like anti-depressants
Nutrition counselling- work with a dietitian

Body Dysmorphic disorder(BDD)

Characterized by an obsessive focus on flaws or defects inn ones appearance

Symptoms of Body dysmorphia

Constantly checking yourself in the mirror
Avoiding mirrors
Seeking reassurance

What are some treatments for body dysmorphia

Talk Therapy- Helps the people identify and challenge the distorted beliefs about their appearance
Medication-Anti-depressants (SSRI’s)

Do you need both therapy and medication in order to overcome BDD

Yes both is recommended along with support from a professional