Mental Health ; Psychotherapy

By
Student Id# CPSY-2009-0884: Yinka L. Humes
MGC5311: Introduction to School Counseling
Lecturer: Dr. Patsy Brown
19thJuly 2010
Mental healthis a term used to describe either a level ofcognitiveoremotionalwell-beingor an absence of amental disorder. From perspectives of the discipline of positive psychologyorholismmental health may include an individual’s ability to enjoy life and procure a balance between life activities and efforts to achievepsychological resilience.[Mental health is an expression of our emotions and signifies a successful adaptation to a range of demands.

There is no health without mental health
The essential dimension of mental health is clear from the definition of health in the WHO constitution: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Mental health is an integral part of this definition.

The goals and traditions of public health and health promotion can be applied just as usefully in the field of mental health as they have been in the prevention of infectious or of cardio-vascular diseases, for example.

Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders
Mental health can be conceptualized as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

In this positive sense, mental health is the foundation for well-being and effective functioning for an individual and for a community. This core concept of mental health is consistent with its wide and varied interpretation across cultures.

Mental health promotion covers a variety of strategies, all aimed at having a positive impact on mental health. Like all health promotion, mental health promotion involves actions that create living conditions and environments to support mental health and allow people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. This includes a range of actions that increase the chances of more people experiencing better mental health.

Mental health is determined by socio-economic and environmental factors
Mental health and mental health disorders are determined by multiple and interacting social, psychological, and biological factors, just as health and illness in general.

The clearest evidence is associated with indicators of poverty, including low levels of education, and in some studies with poor housing and poor income. Increasing and persisting socio-economic disadvantages for individuals and for communities are recognized risks to mental health.

The greater vulnerability of disadvantaged people in each community to mental health disorders may be explained by such factors as the experience of insecurity and hopelessness, rapid social change, and the risks of violence and physical ill-health.

A climate that respects and protects basic civil, political, socio-economic and cultural rights is also fundamental to mental health promotion. Without the security and freedom provided by these rights, it is very difficult to maintain a high level of mental health.

Mental health is linked to behaviour
Mental, social, and behavioural health problems may interact to intensify their effects on behaviour and well-being.

Substance abuse, violence, and abuse of women and children on the one hand, and health problems such as HIV/AIDS, depression, and anxiety on the other, are more prevalent and more difficult to cope with in conditions of high unemployment, low income, limited education, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, and human rights violations.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also referred to as ADHD and formally called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction is a neurologically based syndrome characterized by any or all of three types of behavior: hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is usually diagnosed before age seven. It is often accompanied by a learning disability. It often create difficulties in school, at home, or at work
Not everyone who is overly hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive has an attention disorder. People with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are excessive and have long-term periods of hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsiveness.

Eating too much sugar does not cause hyperactivity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is due to a chemical imbalance in thebrain.Attention deficit hyperactivity