Perdev 5

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 3

Patronage of Mary Development School

Poblacion, Boljoon, Cebu


Tel. Nos. (032)482-9302- Website: www.pmds.ph - Email Address: pmdsmamamary@gmail.com

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
LESSON 5
Mental Health
Objectives
1. familiarize the concepts relative to mental health;
2. differentiate mental hygiene and mental health; and
3. discuss the causes, effects and possible responses to mental health problems.
Considering how important mental health is, this lesson will look into the many
aspects that can allow one to be psychologically healthy. At the same time, the common
causes of psychological distress and its early signs will be tackled.
Watch this video in Mental Health. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=1i9OktVsTWo&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0RWm-
9ryDuD6CTrzLgcl90LYqZGulLfc0RhMdhlxZgNA_s37wqXwdsvWU)

MENTAL HEALTH

What is the difference between mental hygiene and


mental health?
The World Health Organization (WHO), in its
2014 bulletin underscored the importance of mental
health by stressing that the concept of “health” should
not only be physical but should include the mental and
social well-being dimensions as well. According to the
WHO, mental health is a state of well-being in which
every individual realizes his own potential, can cope
with the normal stresses of life, can work productively
and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his
community.
Studying mental health among adolescents is important because, according to
statistics, around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents have mental disorders or
problems. In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) is bent on implementing a
national mental health policy that is focused on the promotion of mental health, the
reduction of the burden and consequences of mental ill health, mental and brain disorders,
and disabilities.
Among the concrete steps that have been undertaken are the establishment of
national depression hotline and the crafting of the mental health law which aims to enhance
mental health services. In schools, the counselors and psychologists with the help of the
parents, teachers, and other significant persons are responsible for the promotion of mental
health among students. These are accomplished via counselling, therapy, implementation of
structured programs specifically designed for promoting mental health and other similar
activities. All these can be referred to as mental hygiene, as these are practices and
activities designed to maintain and restore mental health by preventing mental disorders.
DETERMINANTS OF MENTAL HEALTH
According to WHO, the following are the three major determinants of mental health
 Individual Attributes and Behaviors. These are the innate abilities, thoughts, and
feelings of people that are used to manage their daily lives and deal with the
demands of work, school, and society. Akin to these are the genetic and biological
determinants that persons are born or endowed with, including abnormalities.
 Social and Economic Circumstances. One’s immediate surroundings affect one’s
ability to succeed thereby affecting one’s mental health, particularly if such
surrounding or environment becomes a hindrance to success. This may include the
family, friends, neighborhood, education, and economic opportunities, among others.
 Environmental Factors. The wider sociocultural and geopolitical environment
around an individual affects his mental health. The more positive and supporting
these environment factors the more they more they enhance and harness mental
health.

The WHO has also identified adverse and protective factors in relation to the major
determinants of mental health. Refer to the table below.
Level Adverse Factors Protective Factors
Individual Low self-esteem Self-esteem, confidence
Attributes Cognitive / emotional Ability to solve problems
Immaturity and manage stress or
Difficulties in communicating adversity
Medical illness, substance use Physical health, fitness
Loneliness, bereavement Social support of family
and friends
Social Neglect, family conflict Good parenting/family
Circumstances Exposure to violence/ abuse interactions
Low income and poverty Economic security
Difficulties or failure at school Scholastic achievement
Work stress, unemployment Satisfaction and success at
work
Environmental Poor access to basic services Equality of access to basic
Factors injustice and discrimination services
Social and gender inequalities Social justice, tolerance,
Exposure to war or disaster integration
Social and gender equality
Physical security and safety
EARLY WARNINGS SIGNS OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
It is always better to prevent mental health problems than to cure or manage it. This
makes detecting its early warning signs an important undertaking. This is particularly true in
our fast-paced world where burgeoning demands, expectations and pressures could lead to
mental health problems, especially if one is unable to cope and adjust. The US Department
of Health and Human Services has indicated the following as possible indicators or early
warning signs of a mental health issue or problem.
 Eating or sleeping too much or too little
 Pulling away from people and usual activities
 Having low or no energy
 Feeling numb to life or resigned
 Having unexplained aches and pains
 Feelings helpless or hopeless
 Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
 Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or sacred.
 Yelling or fighting with family and friends

HOW TO STAY MENTALLY OR PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY


 Feed your body well. A healthy diet can go a long way, it will not only keep you
physically healthy but it will also provide you with nutrients to function well and
combat stress caused by the demands and pressures of work, school, friends, family,
etc.
 Open up. Make it a habit to talk about how you really feel. Life’s burdens are easier
to deal with if you have a support or core group. This includes people with whom you
can openly share your feelings, experiences, and frustrations rather than keeping
them only to yourself.
 Maintain an active lifestyle. Exercise helps you release your tension and deal with
stress.
 It is okay to ask for help. Asking for help should not be viewed as a sign of
weakness. It is actually the most sensible and mature thing to do especially if you
can no longer handle your problems by yourself.
 Maintain good relations. Having a good and positive relationship with someone or
a group of people would go a long way for, in the long run, these people may become
a source of support and help whenever it is needed. Maintaining good relations with
others may also serve as a source of inspiration. You get to learn from their
experiences particularly if you are encountering a similar situation.
Terms to Remember
 Mental Health – a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his own
potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and
fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his community.
 Mental Hygiene- practices and activities designed to maintain and restore mental
health by preventing mental disorders.

References
Santos, Ricardo Rubio (2016). Personal Development, Manila: Rex Bookstore.
Perez, Aida Maria Hernandez (2016). Personal Development, Quezon City: Vibal Publishing
Cayubit, Ryan Francis and Avelina L. Mandin (2017). Actualizing the Adolescent: Values Approach to Personality
Development. Makati City Don Bosco Press.

You might also like