MH&WB

Introduction to Mental Health and Wellbeing


Lecturers: Lauren Salisbury & Katy WilliamsInstitution: Prifysgol Wrecsam, Wrexham University

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the definitions and importance of mental health and well-being.

  • Identify the complex interaction between mental health and physical health, recognizing how they can influence each other.

  • Explore the various roles of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in supporting mental health and well-being, including their methodologies and practices.

  • Reflect on personal preferences and attitudes in the context of emotional intelligence, with an emphasis on self-awareness and empathy.

Definitions

Mental Health


Defined by WHO (2013) as:A state of well-being where individuals:

  • Realize their own abilities

  • Cope with normal life stresses

  • Work productively

  • Contribute to their communities, fostering social connectedness and resilience.

Well-being

Described as a dynamic state where:

  • Individuals can develop their potential

  • Work creatively

  • Build fulfilling relationships

  • Achieve personal and social goals, thereby enhancing both individual and community well-being. (Foresight Mental Wellbeing and Capital Project, 2008)

The Mental Health Continuum

States of Mental Health

  • IN CRISIS: Symptoms may include severe anxiety, deep depression, high absenteeism in work/school contexts, poor sleep, and drastically decreased performance.

  • STRUGGLING: Individuals may feel persistently anxious, nervous, exhibit fatigue, have poor appetite, and display social withdrawal.

  • SURVIVING: People may be worried but function at a baseline level, feeling calm yet exhausted, managing to engage in normal social activities.

  • THRIVING: Characterized by positive emotions, cheerfulness, high energy levels, good quality sleep, and above-average performance in various aspects of life.

  • EXCELLING: Marked by joy, optimal performance, and the fulfillment of personal potential, characterized by emotional stability and resilience.

Understanding Mental Health

Contextual Factors

Developmental and societal influences play a significant role in mental health outcomes (Gross, 2020). Factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and access to resources can impact mental health significantly.

The Biopsychosocial Model

A comprehensive approach that considers:

  • Biological: Influences include physical health, genetics, and the effects of drugs or medications.

  • Psychological: Factors such as stress levels, past trauma experiences, and existing coping skills play crucial roles.

  • Social: Family relationships, social skills, and peer influence are essential in shaping mental health.

Influences on Mental Health

Social-Cultural Influences

  • Roles, expectations, definitions of normality and disorder can vary greatly across cultures, affecting individuals' experiences of mental health.

Psychological Influences

  • Factors include the impact of stress, past trauma, learned helplessness, and individual perceptions of mood and emotional regulation.

Biological Influences

  • Evolutionary perspectives, individual genetics, neurological structure and factors influencing brain chemistry can all contribute to mental health conditions (Myers & DeWall, 2018).

Mental Health and Physical Health

Both aspects are deeply interconnected, and it is essential to understand the parity of esteem: acknowledging that mental health deserves equal prioritization as physical health.

Impact of Mental Health on Physical Well-Being

Positive mental health is shown to promote:

  • Healthy behaviors

  • Improved immune function


  • A reduction in stress-related ailments.Conversely, physical health issues can worsen mental health struggles, leading to a cycle that complicates recovery from conditions like anxiety and depression.

Promoting Support for Mental Health

Effective strategies include:

  • Social support networks

  • Regular physical activity

  • Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet

  • Ensuring adequate sleep

  • Developing strong stress management skills

  • Practicing mindfulness and self-compassion techniques.

Interaction of Mental Health and Physical Health

Key factors to consider include the roles of the immune system, levels of physical activity, chronic illnesses, cardiovascular health, quality of sleep, and proper nutrition in maintaining both mental and physical health.

Prevalence of Mental Health Problems

Statistics suggest:

  • 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues annually.

  • 1 in 6 report common problems weekly (e.g., anxiety, depression).

  • Specific conditions:

    • Mixed anxiety and depression: 8%.

    • Generalized anxiety disorder: 6%.

    • PTSD: 4%.


    • Phobias: 2%.(Mind, 2020)

ABC Model of Emotion

Components of Emotion

  1. Autonomic Arousal (A): Refers to physiological responses such as heart rate changes and adrenaline release during emotional experiences.

  2. Behavioral Expression (B): Includes observable actions and reactions that reflect emotions, which can often be consciously controlled or suppressed.

  3. Cognitive Appraisal (C): Encompasses thoughts and interpretations that significantly affect emotional responses and well-being.

Role of Allied Health Professionals (AHP)

AHPs play vital roles in mental health support through:

  • Comprehensive assessment

  • Strategic management

  • Rehabilitation efforts (Mental Health Workforce Plan for England).

Mental Health Across the Lifespan


Challenges Faced:Influences on mental health vary across different life stages, including childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older age. Major life events and biological factors can necessitate support when individuals encounter challenges specific to each developmental stage.

Factors Influencing Mental Health

Childhood Years: Influential factors include maternal health, parenting styles, attachment dynamics, socio-economic status, and early childhood experiences.

Early School Years: Education systems, social environments, resilience-building opportunities, and interactions can heavily influence mental health at this stage.

Adolescence: Significant hormonal changes, exploration of sexual identity, exposure to bullying, and the impact of social media can profoundly influence adolescents’ emotional wellbeing.

Young Adulthood: Challenges include managing newfound independence, financial responsibilities, and social pressures, which can lead to a high risk of suicide in this age demographic.

Adulthood: Tensions may arise from relationship challenges, financial burdens, and the responsibilities of caregiving roles, affecting mental health stability.

Older Age: Factors contributing to mental health difficulties in older adults include health deterioration, increased social isolation, and loss of independence.

Strategies to Enhance Positive Mental Health

Happy Chemicals

  • Dopamine (Reward Chemical): Increased through achievements, engaging social interactions, and consistent self-care practices.

  • Oxytocin (Love Hormone): Released through bonding experiences, physical touch, and positive social connections that nurture emotional health.

  • Serotonin (Mood Stabilizer): Elevated by exposure to sunlight, regular exercise routines, mindfulness meditation, and humor, crucial for emotional balance.

  • Endorphins (Pain Reliever): Amplified through laughter, creative expression, physical activity, and behaviors that foster joy.

Post-Session Activities

  • Watch the video “The Value of AHPs in Mental Health Services.”

  • Create a detailed mind map on the role of each allied health profession in supporting mental health using the AHP Toolkit and HCPC Standards available on Moodle.

References

  • Health Education England, AHP Toolkit, accessed 5th September 2024.

  • Mind, Mental health facts and statistics, accessed 5th September 2024.