Mental health

Presented by-:
Kartik , aditya ,
Yashika , ritvik
What is mental health?
O Mental health includes our emotional,
psychological, and social well-being. It affects
how we think, feel, and act as we cope with
life. It also helps determine how we
handle stress, relate to others, and make
choices. Mental health is important at every
stage of life,
from childhood and adolescence through
adulthood and aging.
What are mental disorders?
O Mental disorders are serious conditions which
can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior.
They may be occasional or long-lasting. They
can affect your ability to relate to others and
function each day. Mental disorders are
common; more than half of all Americans will
be diagnosed with one at some time in their life.
But there are treatments. People with mental
disorders can get better, and many of them
recover completely.
 Why is mental health
important?
O Mental health is important because it can help you to
O Cope with the stresses of life
O Be physically healthy
O Have good relationships
O Make meaningful contributions to your community
O Work productively
O Realize your full potential
O Your mental health is also important because it can affect
your physical health. For example, mental disorders can
raise your risk for physical health problems such
as stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
 What can affect my mental
health?
O There are many different factors that can affect your
mental health, including
O Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
O Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
O Family history of mental health problems
O Your lifestyle, such as diet, physical activity, and
substance use
O You can also affect your mental health by taking steps
to improve it, such as doing meditation, using
relaxation techniques, and practicing gratitude
Can my mental health change
over time?
O Over time, your mental health can change. For
example, you may be dealing with a difficult
situation, such as trying to manage a chronic
illness, taking care of an ill relative, or facing
money problems. The situation may wear you
out and overwhelm your ability to cope with
it. This can worsen your mental health. On the
other hand, getting therapy may improve your
mental health.
What are the signs that I might
have a mental health problem?
O When it comes to your emotions, it can be hard to know
what is normal and what is not. There are warning signs
that you may have a mental health problem
O A change in your eating or sleeping habits
O Withdrawing from the people and activities you enjoy
O Having low or no energy
O Feeling numb or like nothing matters
O Having unexplained aches and pains
O Feeling helpless or hopeless
O Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
O Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry,
upset, worried, or scared
O Having severe mood swings that cause
problems in your relationships
O Having thoughts and memories that you can't
get out of your head
O Hearing voices or believing things that are not
true
O Thinking of harming yourself or others
O Not being able to perform daily tasks like taking
care of your kids or getting to work or school
What should I do if I think I have a
mental health problem?
O If you think that you may have a mental health
problem, get help. Talk therapy and/or
medicines can treat mental disorders. If you
don't know where to start, contact your
primary care provider.
Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health

O 1. Value yourself:
O Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time
for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. Do a daily
crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an
instrument or become fluent in another language.
O 2. Take care of your body:
O Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure
to:
O Eat nutritious meals
O Avoid smoking
O Drink plenty of water
O Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods
O Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high
rate of depression in college students. 
O 3. Surround yourself with good people:
O People with strong family or social connections are generally
healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans
with supportive family members and friends, or seek out
activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class
or support group.
O 4. Give yourself:
O Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel
good about doing something tangible to help someone in need —
and it's a great way to meet new people.
O 5. Learn how to deal with stress:
O Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills:
Try One-Minute Stress Strategies, do Tai Chi, exercise, take a
nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress
reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life.
Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system,
ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.
O 6. Quiet your mind:
O Try meditating, Mindfulness and/or prayer. Relaxation
exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and
outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may
help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy. To
get connected, see spiritual resources on Personal Well-
being for Students
O 7. Set realistic goals:
O Decide what you want to achieve academically,
professionally and personally, and write down the steps
you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic
and don't over-schedule. You'll enjoy a tremendous sense
of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward
your goal. Wellness Coaching, free to U-M students, can
help you develop goals and stay on track. 
O 8. Break up the monotony:
O Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our
feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a
tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a
walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new
restaurant.
O 9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs:
O Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes
people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality,
alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems.
O 10. Get help when you need it:
O Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is
important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get
appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and
lead full, rewarding lives. See Resources for Stress and Mental
Health for campus and community resources.
THANK-YOU