i

 

 

 

Mental health

 

 

  • What is mental health?


    Mental health is how well a person feels in their mind, which can affect their feelings and thoughts, and sometimes how they act. Everyone has mental health, and it can change depending on the person and what is happening in their life. Mental health can also be influenced by the situations people are born into, grow up in, live and work in.


    Mental health is about our wellbeing in our emotions, thoughts, and relationships. It affects how we think, feel, and behave. It also helps us cope with stress, connect with others, and make decisions. Mental health is important for all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.

     

    What does it mean to have good mental health?


    Mental health is how you feel emotionally, which affects how you think, feel and act. Good mental health means more than just not having a mental health problem; it means that you can enjoy your life, achieve your goals and deal with the challenges of life. Mental health is as important as physical health for living a happy, healthy and balanced life.

     

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines good mental health as allowing someone to:

     

    • Realise their abilities
    • Cope with the normal stresses of life
    • Work productively
    • Make a contribution to their community

     

    Good mental health is important for both individuals and communities to do well. This is because it helps us to connect with ourselves and others, earn money and have fun.

  •  

  • Causes of mental health issues


    There is a wide range of causes of mental health issues, which often overlap. These include:

     

    • Losing someone close to you.
    • Being bullied or other abuse.
    • Isolation or loneliness.
    • Being discriminated against.
    • Trauma or neglect.
    • Addiction (Such as drug and alcohol addiction).
    • Physical health problems.

     

    What are ways to improving mental health?


    The mental health charity Mind suggests a number of ways to improve mental health, including:

     

    • Trying to relax and reduce stress.
    • Finding ways to learn and be creative.
    • Spending time in nature.
    • Connecting with others.
    • Looking after your physical health.
    • Trying to improve your sleep.
  •  

    🧠 Knowledge Check: Mental Health & Wellbeing

    Test your understanding of the factors that influence mental health and the science of the brain.

    1. Which of the following best defines 'Mental Health'?

    2. What is the name for the chemical messengers in the brain that help regulate mood?

    3. Which neurotransmitter is specifically associated with feelings of pleasure and reward?

    4. Why is sleep described as being vital for mental health?

    5. Who should a student contact first if they are concerned about their mental health?

    Click to Reveal Answers
    1. Our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing (Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act).
    2. Neurotransmitters (These chemicals, like serotonin, send signals across brain cells).
    3. Dopamine (Known as the reward chemical in the brain).
    4. It allows the brain to process information and emotions (Lack of sleep can make it harder to manage feelings).
    5. A trusted adult, teacher, or school nurse (Seeking help early is important for wellbeing).

     

    Summary:

     

    • Mental health problems include feeling stressed, worried or sad.
    • There are many reasons why people have mental health problems and many things we can all do to take care of our mental health.

     

     

    © 2012 science-resources.co.uk. All rights reserved | Design by W3layouts