Mental wellbeing continuum

What does the mental wellbeing continuum describe

• The progression of levels of mental health

What are the three stages of the mental wellbeing continuum

• Mentally healthy

• Mental health problem

• Mental health disorder

How is mental wellbeing defined

• the current state of a person’s psychological wellbeing and functioning

What does mental wellbeing involve

• A state of emotional and social wellbeing in which individuals can cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community

What are some key factors influencing mental wellbeing

• Social and emotional wellbeing

• Environmental quality

• Self-management skills

• Physical health

Is mental wellbeing static or changing

• It is not static; it constantly fluctuates over time, placing individuals at different points on the mental health continuum

What is the purpose of the Mental Wellbeing Continuum

• It is a tool used to track the progression and fluctuation of mental wellbeing, ranging from high levels of wellbeing to low levels

What does high levels of mental wellbeing mean

• The current state of psychological wellbeing and functioning where a person is functioning at a satisfactory level

What can individuals at the high end of the mental wellbeing continuum do

• They can independently and effectively function in everyday life, coping with demands without excessive distress or dysfunction

What are the characteristics of a mentally healthy person

• High levels of functioning

• Ability to cope with stress

• Ability to meet demands of everyday life and be productive

• Displays resilience

• Maintains positive relationships with others

• Regulates and appropriately expresses emotions

Do mentally healthy individuals ever experience negative emotions like stress, sadness, or anger

• Yes — but they are considered mentally healthy because they can cope with these experiences, regulate their emotions, and express them appropriately

What do moderate levels of mental wellbeing involve

• A degree of disturbance or dysfunction that reduces an individual’s ability to function at an optimal level

How does moderate mental wellbeing impact daily functioning

• It can have a considerable impact, but it is less profound than a mental health disorder and is typically temporary

What are the characteristics of moderate levels of mental wellbeing

• Not functioning at an optimal level

• Temporary impact on mental wellbeing

• Experiencing amplified emotions and high levels of stress

• Difficulty concentrating and experiencing irrational thought patterns

What do low levels of mental wellbeing involve

• Severe and profound disturbances to an individual’s ability to function

Why are individuals with low levels of mental wellbeing not considered mentally well

• Show high levels of distress

• Unable to independently complete tasks

• Unable to meet the demands of their environment

How might behaviour appear in individuals with low levels of mental wellbeing

• They may display behaviour that does not meet societal norms and may be deemed inappropriate

How long are people typically impacted by low levels of mental wellbeing, and how are mental health disorders treated

• Impact is extended (more than two weeks); mental health disorders are diagnosable and may be treated through psychotherapy or medication

Does the nature and course of mental disorders vary between individuals

• Yes — some people experience only one short-lived episode and fully recover, while others may struggle with a mental disorder throughout their life

What characterises anxiety disorders

• Extreme levels of distress that significantly disrupt daily functioning and the ability to cope with everyday demands

What experiences might individuals with anxiety disorders have

• Panic attacks and irrational thoughts, placing them at the low end of the mental wellbeing continuum

What is mental health according to the Mental Wellbeing Continuum

• The psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioural adjustment

What are the characteristics of someone with good mental health

• Able to manage feelings and emotions

• Able to cope with normal stressors

• Physically and socially active

• Psychological wellbeing

• Few sleep difficulties

What is a mental health problem

• Disruption to an individual's usual level of social and emotional wellbeing, negatively impacting their abilities

What are the characteristics of someone experiencing a mental health problem

• Difficulties in coping

• Difficulty concentrating

• Some changes in appetite

• Mild to moderate stress

• Temporary impairment

What is mental illness

• The psychological state characterised by significant emotional, cognitive, or social difficulties serious enough to require psychiatric intervention

What are the characteristics of someone with a mental illness

• Withdrawal from and avoidance of social situations

• Marked distress

• Psychological dysfunction

• Excessive anxiety

• Ongoing impairment

What are some tips for maintaining mental wellbeing

• Look after physical health: diet, sleep, exercise

• Be social: create connections with people

• Do something you enjoy: hobbies, creative pursuits, learning

• Have some time to yourself

• Take notice: be aware of and take action regarding your emotions

What are internal factors in mental wellbeing

• Influences that originate inside or within a person, stemming directly from the individual and changing over time, affecting their placement on the mental wellbeing continuum

What are the two main types of internal factors

• Biological factors and psychological factors

What are biological factors

Physiologically based or determined influences, often not under our control, such as:

• Genes we inherit

• Sex (male/female)

• Neurotransmitter balances or imbalances

• Substance use

• Physiological response to medication

• Brain and nervous system functioning

• Hormonal activities

• Fight–flight–freeze and other bodily stress responses

What are psychological factors

Influences associated with mental processes, such as:

• Thoughts, ways of thinking, beliefs, attitudes

• Skills in interacting with others

• Prior learning and perceptions of self, others, and environment

• How we learn, make decisions, solve problems

• Understanding and experiencing emotions

• Responding to and managing stress

• Reconstructing memories

Give an example of how internal factors can affect mental wellbeing

• If an individual has a family history of a particular mental health disorder, they may have an increased likelihood of developing this disorder

How can internal factors maintain high levels of mental wellbeing

• Optimistic thought patterns, effective stress responses, or other internal strengths can help individuals view difficult situations positively, protecting their mental wellbeing

Give an example of internal factors maintaining high mental wellbeing

• Mei Zhen views school assessments as opportunities to learn and improve, which helps her maintain high levels of mental wellbeing during stressful times

How can internal factors lead to low levels of mental wellbeing

• A genetic predisposition (family history) to a mental health disorder can increase the likelihood of developing a disorder, leading to lower levels of mental wellbeing

Give an example of internal factors contributing to low mental wellbeing

• Mei Zhen has a family history of anxiety disorders, and her mother experienced panic attacks.

• This may have contributed to Mei Zhen developing significant anxiety after university, resulting in low mental wellbeing.

What are external factors in mental wellbeing

• Influences that originate outside a person, linked to their environment, and can positively or negatively impact placement on the mental wellbeing continuum

What are some examples of external factors

• School- and work-related factors

• Interpersonal relationships

• Support from others

• Exposure to stressors

• Level of education and employment history

• Level of income

• Housing and risks of violence

• Access to healthcare and community resources

• Exposure to social stigma

• Cultural influences (values and traditions)

How can external factors maintain high levels of mental wellbeing

• Adequate access to support systems, such as friends, family, or professional support, helps individuals cope with challenges and maintain high mental wellbeing

How can external factors lead to low levels of mental wellbeing

• Loss of significant relationships or difficulties in certain environments (e.g., work or school) can negatively impact mental wellbeing if not adequately addressed

Give an example of external factors maintaining mental wellbeing

• Mei Zhen had strong support from friends, family, and school, which helped her maintain high levels of mental wellbeing during stressful periods like SACS

Give an example of external factors helping recovery after low mental wellbeing

• After experiencing significant anxiety post-university, Mei Zhen accessed a psychologist, which supported her recovery and helped maintain her mental wellbeing