Psychological Health

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Psychological Health

• A Brief Overview

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Positive Psychological Traits

• Self-actualization- fulfilling human potential to
  the fullest
• Realism- ability to accept what can and cannot be
  changed
• Self-esteem- satisfaction and confidence in self
• Authenticity- being genuine
• Capacity for Intimacy- ability to share and
  express feelings with others

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Psychological Challenges

• Achieving Healthy Self-Esteem
• Being Less Defensive
• Avoiding Cognitive Distortion
• Being Optimistic
• Dealing with Loneliness
• Dealing with Anger

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Mental Illness Facts

• Mental illness are biologically based brain
  disorders.
• Mental illnesses are not related to a persons
  character or intelligence.
• About one in 17 Americans have some form of
  serious mental illness
• Mental illness affects 1 in 5 families
• The cost of untreated mental illnesses in the US
  is more than 100 billion a year!

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Psychological Disorders(Anxiety Related)

• Anxiety a feeling of fear that is not directed
  toward any definite threat
• Simple or Specific Phobia a persistent fear of
  a specific thing, activity, or situation
• Social Phobia fear of humiliation or
  embarrassment in front of others
• Panic Disorder a syndrome of severe anxiety
  attacks accompanied by physical symptoms
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder characterized by
  excessive worry about all kinds of things

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Psychological Disorders, (Anxiety) cont.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder uncontrollable,
  recurring thoughts and performing of senseless
  rituals
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder reliving
  traumatic events through dreams, flashbacks, and
  hallucinations

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Mood Disorders

• Seasonal affective disorder characterized by
  seasonal depression
• Mania excessive elation, irritability,
  talkativeness, inflated self-esteem
• Bipolar a mental illness characterized by
  alternating periods of depression and mania
• Schizophrenia a mental illness involving a
  disturbance in thinking and in perceiving reality

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Depression

• Depression is the most common psychological
  disorder and the leading cause of suicide
• One in three students experience prolonged
  periods of depression
• One in four have suicidal thoughts
• Over a lifetime, about 20 of females and 12 of
  males experience serious depression

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Warning Signs of Serious Depression

• Finding little or no pleasure in life
• Feeling worthless or extremely guilty
• Crying a lot for no particular reason
• Withdrawing from other people
• Having very low energy or too much energy
• Having trouble concentrating
• Feeling easily irritated or angry
• Source The Jed Foundation

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Treatment for Depression

• Critical to recognize and seek professional help
  first and foremost
• Drug therapy (Prozac most common drug
  approved for use with children and teens)
• Cognitive-behavior therapy
• Most effective treatment combines both!!!

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Leading Causes of Death Among 15-25 Year Olds

• 1stAccidental Death primarily motor vehicle
  accidents
• 2ndHomicide primarily involving firearms
• 3rdSuicide primary means involves firearms

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Suicide Scary Stats

• Suicide is actually the second leading cause of
  death among college students.
• Suicide attempts pose the greatest
  life-threatening danger for college women.
• The rate of suicide among young males has tripled
  since 1970.
• There are almost 1,100 suicides projected to
  occur on campuses this year.
• Among college students, 7.5 of every 100,000
  students take their own lives.

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Scary Stats, cont.

• Four out of five young adults who attempt suicide
  have given clear warnings.
• One in 12 US college students makes a suicide
  plan.
• Every hour and 45 minutes another young person
  commits suicide.

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Suicide Alert List

• P Previous Attempts
• P Plan A Alone
• L Lethality L Loss
• A Availability S Substance
• I Illness Abuse
• D - Depression

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More Suicide Facts

• More females than males attempt suicide but more
  males are successful.
• Most people who have committed suicide have
  talked about it to someone!
• Talking with someone about suicide does not cause
  suicide!
• Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary
  problem!

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Resources and Help

• UWG offers FREE counseling and psychological
  services through the Student Development/Counselin
  g Center
• http//www.westga.edu/prevent/index.php
• National hotline 1-800-SUICIDE
• Depression-screening www.depression-screening.org
  
• Freedom from fear www.freedomfromfear.com

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Website Resources, cont.

• No Stigma www.nostigma.org
• The Jed Foundation www.jedfoundation.org
• National Mental Health Assoc. www.nmha.org
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  www.afsp.org