Embedded Files
New Website Coming Soon
Introduction to: Mental Health
Introduction to: Mental Health
Mental health is the state of your emotional, physiological, and social well being that affect the way people think , feel and act. Mental health has components that makes up the way we function on the daily these components are emotional , social and conative health.
Mental Health
Mental Health
Mental health is the state of your emotional, physiological, and social wellbeing that affect the way people think, feel and act. Mental health has components that makes up the way we function on the daily these components are emotional, social and cognitive health.
Cognitive
Cognitive
The ability of the brain to perform mental processing such as learning , remembering , planning , concentrating and making decisions to basically carry out everyday activities.
Emotional
Emotional
The way we think and feel can be connected to stress factors ,anxiety , depression etc.
Social
Social
The ability to interact and form meaningful relationships with others .
ACEs:
ACEs:
Adverse childhood experiences would be considered childhood traumatic events that have happened from ages 0-17 such as Experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect. Witnessing violence in the home or community. Having a family member attempt or die by suicide also includes the child's environment which can undermine their sense of stability, safety, and bond. This happens when growing up in households such as Substance use problems. Mental health problems. Instability due to parental separation. Instability due to household members being in jail or prison.
A case study from PubMed shows that, since 2017, adolescents and adults have faced a mental health crisis due to the effects of ACEs. The study found that ACEs were associated with an increased likelihood of all current mental health diagnoses, particularly for youth exposed to four or more ACEs.
ACEs: Developing mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, can occur as a result of ACEs. The effects of ACEs on mental health can be long-lasting and may significantly impact a person's ability to function in daily life. It is crucial for individuals who have experienced ACEs to seek therapy and support to address these issues and improve their mental well-being.
Importance of Mental health & overall Wellness
Importance of Mental health & overall Wellness
Maintaining mental health is crucial for a fulfilling and productive life, influencing various areas:
Emotional Well-being
Emotional Well-being
Ensures emotional stability and resilience, aiding stress management and relationships.
Physical Health
Physical Health
Directly affects physical health; good mental health promotes overall wellness.
Productivity
Productivity
Enhances focus, creativity, and efficiency, benefiting individuals and organizations.
Impacts of ACES from teens to adults
Impacts of ACES from teens to adults
Teen Perspective
Teen Perspective
Emotional impact: Teens who have experienced ACEs are often overwhelmed by emotions like anxiety, depression, or anger. These feelings are frequently tied to neglect, abuse, or exposure to family violence. As they move into adolescence, these emotional struggles can intensify, possibly resulting in mental health disorders. They may feel disconnected, misunderstood, or isolated, especially from peers who have not gone through similar challenges, which makes managing their emotions even more difficult.
Behavioral Impact: Teens who experience trauma, neglect, or abuse may struggle with trusting others, leading them to isolate themselves from peers, family, and social situations. This withdrawal can stem from fear of further harm, a lack of emotional energy to engage with others, or feelings of shame and inadequacy. The inability to connect with others or form healthy relationships can lead to increased loneliness, depression, and difficulty developing social skills, creating a cycle of isolation and emotional distress.
Adult Perspective
Adult Perspective
Mental Health impact: Adults who experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse during childhood are at a higher risk of developing chronic depression. The emotional scars left by ACEs can manifest as feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that persist into adulthood. These individuals may struggle with negative self-image, a sense of being stuck, and difficulty finding joy or meaning in life. Without proper support or treatment, depression can affect every aspect of an adult’s life, from relationships to work performance, and can contribute to a cycle of ongoing emotional distress.
Physical Health Impact: The stress and trauma experienced during childhood can weaken the immune system, lead to hormonal imbalances, and contribute to chronic pain or cognitive decline. Adults with high ACE scores are also more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, substance abuse, and physical inactivity, which further contribute to poor physical health. Overall, ACEs can significantly affect long-term health, leading to an increased risk of early mortality.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Let’s ask ourselves, what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is living in the present moment. This concept can help you in many ways that you may not even understand. We practice mindfulness through formal practices, such as yoga. An informal practice would be washing the dishes or noticing nature. Mindfulness and wellness are extraordinarily connected to one another, and there are three main concepts.
Emotional regulation
Emotional regulation
A person's ability to effectively manage and respond to an emotional experience connects to mindfulness through clinical interventions focused on emotion regulation/dysregulation, which might have substantial benefits for these psychological disorders.
Enhancing focus
Enhancing focus
The effects of mindfulness meditation training on attentional processes, including alerting, orienting, and executive attention, have been studied. Researchers have proposed that these three forms of attention are supported by three separable neural networks.
Reduction of stress
Reduction of stress
As highlighted by the NIH, a study involving nurses facing stress and burnout used mindfulness to address these issues. The study found that 11% of nurses experienced high stress levels, and 43% reported feeling burned out. However, the practice of mindfulness significantly reduced their stress and burnout. This study shows that mindfulness-based programs have proven to be a promising intervention in reducing the stress experienced by nurses.
The Key Components of Mindfulness
The Key Components of Mindfulness
Awareness
Awareness
The act of intentionally paying attention to what is happening in the present moment, without judgment.
Acceptance
Acceptance
The practice of embracing the present moment as it is, without judgment or resistance.
Presence
Presence
Drop in, being aware of what is happening in the moment, experiencing body sensations, noticing thoughts, and feeling emotions.
The Benefits of Mindfulness
The Benefits of Mindfulness
There are many benefits you can gain from mindfulness. Mindfulness has been studied for years, and this has been demonstrated through two key findings. Mindfulness improves our daily lives and the benefits it provides. It can help you improve your daily life in many ways, such as feeling less distracted and developing self-awareness. Mindfulness is key to improving how you function on a day-to-day basis. Other examples include improved concentration, memory, and better crisis management. The benefits of mindfulness include stress reduction, anxiety management, improved attention, better sleep, enhanced mental health, and lower blood pressure.
What is Aces and how is it connected to Mental health?
What is Aces and how is it connected to Mental health?
-Aces and its impacts -
-Aces and its impacts -
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events or experiences that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. These experiences can have lasting negative effects on a person's physical, emotional, and mental health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and behavioral issues later in life. It is important to address and prevent ACEs to promote healthy development and well-being in children. ACEs can have profound impacts on both teens and adults, affecting their emotional well-being, behavior, academic and career success, and physical and mental health. It is important for individuals who have experienced ACEs to seek support and therapy to help them heal and overcome the challenges they face.
ACEs can lead to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. These include many types of experiences, such as:
ACEs can lead to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. These include many types of experiences, such as:
1. Physical abuse
2. Emotional abuse
3. Sexual abuse
4. Neglect
5. Household dysfunction
6. Domestic violence
7. Parental substance abuse
8. Mental illness in household
9. Incarcerated household member
10. Parental separation or divorce
Aces and Mental health Effects on Wellness
Aces and Mental health Effects on Wellness
Taking care of our mental health involves engaging in self-care activities, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, exercising regularly, and maintaining a strong support system. By prioritizing mental health and seeking help when needed, we can lead happier, healthier lives. Wellness, on the other hand, is a holistic approach to maintaining good health in all aspects of life—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. By addressing ACEs and promoting wellness, individuals can work toward healing from past traumas and building resilience to better cope with life's challenges. It is important for individuals to seek support and resources to address ACEs and prioritize their overall wellness.
Types of Mindfulness Practices Formal Practices:
Types of Mindfulness Practices Formal Practices:
Sitting meditation
Awareness of breath
Walking meditation
Informal Practices
Washing dishes
Noticing Nature
Listening
Page updated
Report abuse