Psychological Health Notes

Sum of how we think, feel, relate, exist in daily life.
Encompasses mental, emotional, social, spiritual dimensions.
Key traits of healthy individuals: feel good about self, respect/compassion for others, control tension, meet life demands, minimise hate/guilt, positive outlook, value diversity, respect nature.

Mental: realistic perception, adaptability, rational problem-solving, fulfil responsibilities.
Emotional: identify/manage feelings; based on $\text{self-awareness}$ , $\text{self-management}$ , $\text{relationship management}$ , and $\text{social awareness}$ .
Social: wide interaction range, healthy attachments, responsible behaviour; relies on social bonds & social support (tangible / intangible).
Spiritual: sense of peace, purpose, connection; belonging to something larger than self.

Health requires meeting sequential needs (physiological → safety → love/belonging → esteem → self-actualisation).
Unmet lower level blocks higher fulfilment (e.g., homelessness impedes social growth).

Family: nurturing models build coping skills; dysfunctional homes raise risk.
Support System: shifts from family to peers; strong networks improve well-being.
Community: collective action enhances health.
Self-Efficacy: belief in ability to succeed.
Self-Esteem: sense of self-worth.
• Boost via support groups, realistic goals, self-care, physical health, and problem-solving.
Learned Helplessness vs. Optimism: failure can teach passivity; reframe thoughts to regain control.
Personality Traits linked to resilience: extroversion, agreeableness, openness, emotional stability, conscientiousness, and resiliency.
Life Span & Maturity: aging fosters better emotion regulation.

Psychoneuroimmunology studies links among brain, behaviour, and immunity.
Positive states (hope, optimism, contentment) lower chronic-disease risk.
SWB (Subjective Well-Being) = satisfaction with life + high positive emotions + low negative emotions.
Happiness sources: $50\%$ genetics, $10\%$ circumstances, and $40\%$ personal control.

Triggers: stress, abuse, loneliness, finances, trauma.
Mental illness = disordered thinking/feeling/behaviour causing functional impairment; affects $\frac{1}{4}$ U.S. adults $18+$ .

Mood Disorders: major depression, dysthymia, bipolar, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
• Major depression symptoms: persistent sadness, loss of pleasure, sleep/appetite change, fatigue, worthlessness.
Anxiety Disorders: GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder), panic, phobias, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
• GAD diagnosis: ≥ $1$ core symptom (restlessness, fatigue, poor focus, irritability, muscle tension, sleep issues) most days for $6$ months.
Personality Disorders: narcissistic, antisocial, and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder).
Schizophrenia: sensory alterations, disorganised thought; treatable not curable.

Leading cause of death for college students.
Warning signs: recent loss, depression, personality/behaviour changes, direct or indirect suicide statements, final preparations.
Prevention: monitor signals, take threats seriously, express care, listen, ask directly, avoid belittling, suggest alternatives, inform trusted contacts.

Indicators: loss of control, extreme moods, withdrawal, hallucinations, repeated crises, substance reliance, suicidal thoughts.
Evaluation: physical check-up, psychiatric history, mental status exam.
Therapy expectations: history-taking, collaborative goal-setting; models include psychodynamic, interpersonal, cognitive-behaviou
Treatment options: medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, lifestyle changes, and support from family and friends.