What are some factors linked to Mental Illness?
- Family History,
- Stressful Life Events,
- Negative Early Life Experiences,
- Socio-economic Status,
- Trauma,
- Climate Change,
- Gut Health + Diet,
- Sleep,
- Sexuality,
- Access to Medical Care,
- Poverty (access to services, secure housing, food security, education/knowledge, cultural/social stigma + systemic discrimination),
Name some current world socio-cultural issues impacting mental health.
- Shifting Geopolitical Landscapes: Social Media Wars & Propaganda/Ongoing Tensions between Different Cultures,
- Economic Stability: Economic Crisis/ Lower Job Security/ Unemployment,
- Urbanisation & Social Change: Higher living costs/ high levels of crime, discrimination, inequality + harassment/ lack green spaces/ social unrest,
- Environment & Climate Change: Climate Change/ Harmful Substance Pollution/ Biodiversity loss,
- Consumer Behaviour & Digitisation,
- Technological Developments: Work Automation/ Remote Working/ Medical Advancements/ Digitisation & interconnectivity,
- Ageing & Health: Higher burden providing care, substance abuse,
Why do women seek help more than men?
Toxic Masculinity & Gender roles ( A lot of pressure on the Woman).
What are the Main Social Inequalities linked to low Self-Rated Mental Health (SRMH)?
- Housing,
- Food Security,
- Social Needs,
- Education,
- Employment,
- Disability (visible/invisible),
- Race,
Who are the people with higher risk of Mental Health Distress?
- LGBTQ+ Youth,
- Homeless,
- Disabled People,
- POC,
Is it True or False that Mental Health Struggle can also be due to Systemic Racism & Generational Trauma?
True.
What is the difference between Mental Health & Mental Illness?
Mental Health: similar to “Physical Health,” refers to state of well-being (emotions, feelings of connections to others, thoughts & feelings, being able to manage life’s highs and lows).
Mental Illness: disorder caused by interplay of genetics, biological, personality, & environmental factors.
What factors contribute to development of mental health condition?
- Genetics,
- Biology,
- Violence,
- Personality,
- Environmental Factors,
- Trauma,
What environmental factors impact mental health?
- Access to safe & Affordable Housing,
- Leisure Activities,
- Access to Land & Nature,
- Meaningful Education & Employment,
- Support of Community,
- Freedom from Violence,
- Good Access to Health Care & Mental Health Services,
What systemic Inequalities can further increase risk & severity of Mental Health & Illness?
- Racism,
- Poverty,
- Homelessness,
- Discrimination,
- Colonial,
- Gender-Based,
What are the 4 types of Mental Health Stigma?
- Self-Stigma: internalized negative attitudes & ideas that person maintains about oneself as result of their mental health condition,
- Public Stigma: societal disapproval & discrimination faced by individuals w/ mental health cond. from public,
- Stigma by Association: negative judgments & stereotypes individuals face due to Association w/ someone who has mental health cond.,
- Systemic Stigma: Pervasive & institutionalized discrimination against peeps w/ mental health cond. w/in social systems, policies& institutions,
What are stereotypes that peeps w/ mental health cond. are falsely labeled w/?
- Bad Hygiene,
- Stubborn,
- Weak,
- Attention Seeking,
- Dramatic,
- Doesn’t Care,
- Negative,
- Lazy,
- Unreliable,
Stress affects the Brain in what way?
Affects its size, its structure & how it functions right down to your genes.
Which stress hormone negatively impacts brain function?
Cortisol.
What can Chronic Stress Impair?
Learning, memory & ability to control stress.
What are some changes in the brain structure?
- Brains DNA & Epigenetic Changes (affects genes which = expressed w/out directly changing genetic code),
- Hypocampus connection deteriorates,
- Shrinking of Prefrontal Cortex,
Anxiety is a very ____ + ____ emotion in response to fear + uncertain threats.
Real & Normal.
Which area of brain does anxiety originate?
Amygdala.
What is the part of the brain = higher functioning + tries keeping anxiety chill?
Ventromedial Pre-Frontal Cortex.
In what 3 sectors does Depression manifest itself and what are their symptoms?
- Feelings: constant sadness, anger, guilt, or hopelessness,
- Behaviours: social withdrawal, lack of energy, low motivation, poor concentration, sleep problems, significant changes in appetite,
- Thoughts: poor self-esteem, thoughts of suicide, loss of interest,
What are known causes of Depression?
- Changes to Hormones in Brain (Neurotransmitters),
- Genetics,
- Environmental: poverty, traumatic events, etc.
