Lesson 1: Introduction to Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Please note that this course is designed solely for informational and motivational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice.
Workshop Scenario:
Please think of yourself in the following scenario as you complete this workshop.
"Hi! Welcome to the 24/7 Teach mental health and wellness workshop!"..."Before we start, imagine yourself in the following scenario:
Imagine you are working at a company. Working at this company has been both rewarding and challenging for you. The working environment is very fast-paced but you finished all of your projects and assignments on time despite that. But later you noticed something off with you. You suddenly started skipping deadlines and company meetings. You started to forget even minor things. When your colleague saw it, he invited you for a coffee outside the office and suggested that you take off from work and spend some time with yourself to look over your mental health.
Now, you joined this workshop to learn more about mental health and wellness to keep yourself updated about common mental health issues and the ways to avoid these.
In this lesson, you will get familiar with the concept of mental health and well-being and some common mental health conditions.
Your objective for today is:
Describe the basic concept of mental health and well-being and why it is important to care of your mental health.
Important Questions to Consider While Reading:
In order to be successful in this lesson, you must be able to answer these important questions.
Why it is important to take care of your mental health?
What are the common mental health conditions in adults?
Pre-Assessment
Please complete a short survey to check your knowledge about mental health and well being
1.1) Introduction to mental health
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which affects how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices in our lives.
1.2) Why it is important to take care of your mental health
Taking care of your mental health is incredibly important because it touches the very essence of who you are as a person. When you nurture your mental well-being, you open the door to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. You can experience genuine joy in the little things, find the strength to face challenges head-on and savor the beauty of each moment. Taking care of your mental health means being kind to yourself, recognizing that it's okay to feel vulnerable at times, and seeking support when needed. Just as you care for your body, your mind also deserves love and attention. By doing so, you not only improve your own life but also create a ripple effect that positively impacts the people around you. Embracing your mental health with compassion and understanding helps break down the walls of stigma, allowing for genuine connections and open conversations about emotional well-being.
So, remember, you are worthy of love, care, and support, and taking care of your mental health is an essential part of cherishing your unique journey in this beautiful, messy, and wonderfully human experience we call life.
1.3) Common mental health conditions in adults
A mental health condition means that sometimes people's feelings, thoughts, or actions might not be working as well as they would like. This can make life more challenging for them, and they may feel sad, worried, or have a hard time doing regular things. Just like how our bodies can get sick, our minds can sometimes need some extra care too. It's essential to be understanding and offer support to people facing these challenges because, with the right help and care, they can start feeling better and lead happier lives.
Let's explore some common mental health conditions in the adults, focusing on the emotions and experiences individuals may go through:
Depression: Depression can feel like a heavy cloud casting shadows on everything you once found joy in. It's like walking through life with a heavy heart, struggling to find the spark that used to light up your days. Feeling worthless and hopeless, you might withdraw from the world, finding it hard to get out of bed and face each day.
Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety can be an overwhelming and relentless companion, causing your mind to race with worries about every little thing. It feels like a constant state of alertness, as if you're always on edge, trying to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Interacting with others can be terrifying, as fear of judgment and rejection becomes paralyzing.
Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder can take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. During manic phases, you might feel invincible, overflowing with ideas and energy. But when the lows hit, it's like sinking into a deep abyss of sadness, isolation, and despair.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can leave you feeling trapped in the past, reliving traumatic events as if they're happening all over again. Nightmares haunt your sleep, and even seemingly harmless triggers can send your heart racing and your mind into a whirlwind of fear.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD can be like having a nagging voice in your head that won't let you rest. You find yourself trapped in a loop of intrusive thoughts that create intense anxiety. To cope, you resort to repetitive behaviors or rituals, which offer temporary relief but never truly ease the underlying fear.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): BPD can make you feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster, with intense highs and lows that leave you feeling overwhelmed and lost. Building and maintaining stable relationships can be challenging, and a sense of self-worth may seem constantly out of reach.
Eating Disorders: Struggling with an eating disorder can make you feel at war with yourself. Your relationship with food and body image becomes a constant battle, affecting not only your physical health but also your emotional well-being.
Substance Use Disorders: Addiction can feel like a never-ending cycle of trying to escape pain and stress through substances. What might have started as a temporary escape can quickly turn into a prison, leaving you feeling powerless and isolated.
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia can create a world of its own, where reality and illusions blend together. Hallucinations and delusions may take you on a journey that others can't understand, making it difficult to connect with the outside world.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD can make you feel like a butterfly flitting from one thought to another, struggling to focus and stay on track. The constant restlessness and impulsivity might leave you feeling like you don't fit into a world that demands constant attention.
In the face of these challenges, it's essential to remember that you are not defined by your mental health condition. With support, understanding, and self-compassion, you can find ways to navigate these difficulties and cultivate a sense of well-being. Seeking help from caring professionals and building a strong support network can be crucial steps on your journey toward healing and growth. Remember that you are deserving of love, acceptance, and support, and there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can create a world where mental health is understood, valued, and supported with compassion.
Closing Assessment:
Select the Assessment button below to answer the following questions:
Choose any three mental health disorders from the above list that are common in adults. Explore how someone can overcome or deal with these disorders. Share some tips and strategies.
"Have you come across any books or other media that helped you feel better or understand mental well-being? Share the title of a book that had a positive impact on your mental health, and explain how it made a difference in your life. If you think others might benefit, feel free to recommend the book to your fellow learners!"
Discussion Question:
1. Please answer the following question in the comment section below and interact with learners from around the world.
How can creative expressions, such as art, writing, or music, be therapeutic for mental health? Share experiences of how engaging in creative pursuits has positively impacted your emotional well-being."
"Discuss the importance of self-compassion in maintaining good mental health. How can we cultivate a more compassionate and forgiving attitude towards ourselves?"
2. Please read and reply to other learners’ answers in the forum. Your replies should offer new substantiated ideas or thoughtful questions.
Lesson 2: Self-Care and Mental Health >
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