Mental health
The normal functioning of emotional and intellectual abilities.
Mental illness
A disease that affects a person's ability to function at a normal level in the family, home, or community.
Situation response
A temporary condition that has symptoms like those of mental illness; possible causes include a personal crises, temporary physical changes in the brain, side effects from medications, interactions among medications, and severe changes in the environment.
Fallacy
A false belief.
Defense mechanisms
Unconscious behaviors used to release tension or cope with stress.
Anxiety
Uneasiness or fear, often about a situation or condition.
Phobia
An intense form of anxiety or fear.
Claustrophobia
The fear of being in a confined space.
Panic disorder
A disorder in which a person has repeated episodes of intense fear that something bad will occur.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
An anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive behavior or thoughts.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
An anxiety disorder caused by a traumatic experience.
Apathy
A lack of interest in activities.
Major depressive disorder
A type of depression that causes withdrawal, lack of energy, and loss of interest in activities, as well as other symptoms.
Bipolar disorder
A type of depression that causes a person to swing from periods of deep depression to periods of extreme activity, also called manic-depressive illness.
Schizophrenia
A form of mental illness that affects a person's ability to think, communicate, make decisions, and understand realty.
Paranoid schizophrenia
A form of mental illness characterized by hallucinations and delusions.
Psychotherapy
A method of treating mental illness that involves talking about one's problems with mental health professionals.
Substance abuse
The repeated use of legal or illegal drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol in a way that is harmful to oneself or others.
For each of the seven characteristics of mental health in Learning Objective 1, give one example of a behavior that demonstrates the characteristic.
1. Get along with others: Talk amongst fellow residents cordially.
2. Adapt to change: Roommate is switched, so you are welcoming to the new roommate.
3. Care for self & others: Taking care of yourself entirely and asking others how they are doing/feeling
What are four possible causes of mental illness?
1) Physical factors (illness, disability, or aging)
2) Enviromental factors
3) Hereditary
4) Stress
What is the most common fallacy about mental illness?
The greatest fallacy about mental illness is that people who are mentally ill can control it.
Why might a physical illness cause or make a mental illness worse?
The stress these conditions create takes a toll on mental health. If you are not mentally ill, you will usually be able to cope if a physical illness occurs. If you are mentally ill, you may become anxious, stressed, or depressed if you have a physical il
List Eight guidelines for communicating with a resident who is mentally ill.
1. Do not talk to adults as if they were children.
2. Use simple, clear statements and a normal tone of voice.
3. Be sure that what you say & how you say it show respect & concern.
4. Sit/stand at a normal distance from the resident and be aware of your b
What are defense mechanisms?
Defense mechanisms are unconscious behaviors used to release tension or cope with stress. They help block uncomfortable or threatening feelings. All people use defense mechanisms at some point.
List three signs and symptoms of each of these mental illnesses: anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
Anxiety: shakiness, muscle aches, sweating, cold & clammy hands, etc (pg. 371).
Depression: low energy/fatigue, loss of appetite/overeating, guilt, intense feelings of despair, withdrawal/isolation, etc (pg. 371).
Schizophrenia: hallucinations, disorganiz
What are the most common treatments for mental illness?
Medication and psychotherapy are common treatment methods.
List three care guidelines for mentally ill residents.
-Observe residents carefully for changes in condition or abilities. Document & report your observations.
-Support the resident and his/her family & friends. Your positive, professional attitude encourages the resident & the family.
-Encourage residents to
List five important observations to make about a mentally ill resident.
-Changes in ability.
-Positive/negative mood changes, especially withdrawal.
-Behavior changes.
-Comments, even jokes, about hurting oneself to others.
-Failure to take medicine/improper use of medicine.
-Real/imagined physical symptoms.
-Events, situatio
List four legal substances that can be abused.
Alcohol, cigarrettes, over-the-counter medications (diet aids & decongestants), & household substances (i.e paint, glue).
List ten signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
-Changes in physical appearance (i.e. red eyes, dilated pupils, weight loss).
-Changes in personality (moodiness, strange behavior, disruption of routines, lying).
-Irritability.
-Odor of cigarettes, liquor, or other substances on breath or clothes.
-Dimi
A person who is mentally healthy:
1. can get along with others
2. adapt to change
3. care for self and others
4. give and accept love
5. deal with situations that cause anxiety, disappointment, and frustration
6. take responsibility 4 decisions, feelings, + actions
7. control and fulfill