Mental Wellbeing (Unit 4 AOS 2)

Mental wellbeing

State of wellbeing in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

Continuum of mental health

ranges from mentally healthy, through mental health problem to a mental disorder

mental health problem

A mental health concern that interferes with functioning but is mild and temporary.

mental disorder

involves a combination of thoughts, feelings and behaviours which are associated with significant personal distress and impair ability to function effectively in daily life

Mental health: biological factors

genes, neurotransmitters, response to meds, substance use, hormones,etc.

Mental health: psychological factors

Thoughts, ways of thinking, beliefs, learning, memory, emotions, coping skills, etc.

Mental health: social factors

relationships, social support, lifestyle, healthcare, education, level of income, etc.

internal factors

originate within a person (biological and psychological factors)

external factors

originate outside a person (social factors)

biopsychosocial model

views mental health from a holistic approach, taking into account biological, psychological and social influences (can be positive or negative)

What makes someone mentally healthy

high functioning, high social and emotional wellbeing, high resilience

high level of functioning

They are able to cope effectively with living independently in everyday life, can contribute to society

High level of emotional wellbeing

Able to be aware of, regulate, express and identify emotions

High level of social wellbeing

Able to develop healthy relationships, interact appropriately, respect others, resolve conflicts

resilience

the ability to cope and adapt to stressors and 'bounce back'

Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB)

a framework that includes all elements of being, and therefore wellbeing, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Domains of the SEWB framework

connection to body, connection to mind, connection to family and kinships, connection to community, connection to culture, connection to Country, connection to spirit

Connection to body

connecting to the physical body and health in order to participate fully in all aspects of life

Connection to mind and emotions

the individual's personal experience of their mental wellbeing (or mental ill-health) and their ability to manage thoughts and feelings

Connection to family and kinships

Recognises that family and kinship systems have always been central to the functioning of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' lives

Connection to community

Emphasises a connection to a communal space that can take many forms and provides opportunities for individuals and families to connect with each other

Connection to culture

Refers to one's secure sense of cultural identity and cultural values through connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage

Connection to Country

Being on and caring for Country has positive physical and mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

connection to spirituality and ancestors

Recognises the sacred and interconnective relationship between Country, human and non-human beings, as well as the past, present and future. Includes knowledge and belief systems, and the Dreaming

determinants influencing SEWB

social, political, cultural and historical determinants

social determinants

factors such as education, employment, income and housing which contribute to an individual's health and wellbeing status

political determinants

government policies such as legislation that has affected wellbeing by restricting the rights of self-determination and sovereignty

historical determinants

the impact of past government policies and the oppression and cultural displacement experienced since colonisation

cultural determinants

originate from and promote a strength-based perspective, acknowledging that stronger connections to culture and Country build stronger individual and collective identities, a sense of self-esteem and resilience. Includes cultural continuity and self-determination.

cultural continuity

involves intergenerational maintenance and transmission of cultural knowledge and practices, ensures maintenance of cultural connection.

self-determination

the right to freely determine or control their political status and freely pursue their cultural, social and economic development

stress

a state of mental or emotional and physiological tension resulting from factors that are perceived to challenge or threaten our ability to cope

anxiety

an emotion akin to worrying and uneasiness that something is wrong or something bad is going to happen

phobia

a persistent, intense, irrational fear of a specific object or event

phobia v fear

phobia is excessive, unreasonable and impairs daily functioning

Phobia: biological factors

GABA dysfunction, long-term potentiation

GABA dysfunction

(BIOLOGICAL) failure to produce, release or receive the correct amount of GABA needed to regulate neuronal transmission in the brain. Low levels of GABA = heightened stress response = more fight-flight-freeze

Long-term potentiation

(BIOLOGICAL). Long-term potentiation strengthens the connection between the phobic stimulus and anxiety response

Phobia: psychological factors

Precipitation through classical conditioning, perpetuation through operant conditioning, memory bias, catastrophic thinking

Precipitation by classical conditioning

(PSYCHOLOGICAL). Classical conditioning association of phobic stimulus to response essentially 'creates' the phobia. Without it, no phobia.

Perpetuation through operant conditioning

(PSYCHOLOGICAL). Avoidant behaviours (B) to the phobic stimulus (A) cause someone to feel calm (C), thus making it more likely for them to avoid in the future, continuing phobia

Memory bias

(PSYCHOLOGICAL). Only thinking of the bad association with phobic stimulus, not the neutral or good experiences

Catastrophic thinking

(PSYCHOLOGICAL). Always thinking the worst is going to happen when confronted by phobic stimulus (e.g. It's going to kill me)

Phobia: social factors

Specific environmental triggers, stigma around treatment

Specific environmental trigger

(SOCIAL) In relation to a phobia, a specific object or situation in the environment that produces an extreme fear response. (e.g. situation in which the phobia developed)

Stigma around seeking treatment

(SOCIAL). As phobias are by definition, ridiculous, there is a large amount of stigma, so sufferers are less likely to talk to family or a professional

Phobia: biological interventions

benzodiazepines, breathing retraining

Benzodiazepines

(BIOLOGICAL). Drugs that increase GABA's inhibitory activity, GABA agonist. Lower anxiety and reduce stress symptoms

Breathing retraining

(BIOLOGICAL). Teaching correct breathing habits. Control of breathing is control of phobia. Inhaling slowly and deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly though the mouth.

Phobia: psychological interventions

Cognitive behavioural therapy, systematic desensitisation

cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

(PSYCHOLOGICAL). Combines cognitive and behavioural therapies. Cognitive: changing thoughts to more realistic. Behavioural: breathing retraining, SD

systematic desensitisation

(PSYCHOLOGICAL). 1. Teach relaxation technique (like breathing retraining)

2. Organise phobia into hierarchy of fear from least to most anxiety inducing

3. Work up the ladder, only moving up the ladder when the fear response is extinguished

Phobia: social interventions

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation

(SOCIAL). Educating parents, family and friends regarding phobia. Giving details about disease, increasing support. Family to challenge behaviours but not treat phobia themselves.

protective factors

help maintain or improve mental health (acts like a shield)

Biological protective factors

adequate nutrition and hydration, mindfulness, and adequate sleep

Adequate nutrition and hydration

(BIOLOGICAL). A diet that provides enough of the energy, nutrients, and fiber to maintain a person's health (e.g. eat breakfast, eat a variety of food)

Adequate sleep

(BIOLOGICAL). Waking up feeling refreshed, not fatigued, ready to learn and function in society

mindfulness

The state of being alert and mentally present for one's everyday activities. Mindfulness can reduce stress and anxiety, however is not a solo treatment for ill mental health

Psychological protective factors

Cognitive behavioural factors

Cognitive behavioural strategies

(PSYCHOLOGICAL). Cognitive: Trying to replace dysfunctional thoughts with more helpful ones. Behavioural: maintaining mental health through behaviour change (e.g. breathing retraining, meditation, mindfulness)

Social protective factors

Support from family/friends/community that is authentic and energising

Support from family/friends/community

(SOCIAL). Having support from society such as peers, friends, family, church, sports club, etc. can help mental wellbeing greatly. Support could be in material assistance, distraction, counselling, etc.

authentic social connections

we have a genuine connection and that we can rely on these people in times of need

energising social connections

overall, supportive networks should provide you with more energy than they take