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What is mental health? |
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According to the World Health
Organization (WHO) Manual:
We think, feel and act in order to
face life's situations. It is how we look at ourselves, our lives, and
the people we know and care about.
It also helps us determine how we
handle stress, relate to others, evaluate our options, and make choices.
Like physical health, mentall health is important at every stage of
life. Everyone has mental health.
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When is a person said to be
in a state of sound mental health? |
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when he/she feels physically well
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when his/her thoughts are organized
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when his/her feelings are modulated
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when his/her behaviors are coordinated and
appropriate
Note: Behaviors considered "normal" may vary according to cultural
norms.
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Who may develop mental illness? |
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Any person regardless of race,
nationality, age, sex, civil status and socio-economic background
may develop mental illness.
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What are the causes of mental illness?
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A combination or one of these
factors:
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Biological Factors - hereditary
predisposition, poor nutrition
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Physical Factors - physical injuries
caused by accidents and substance abuse
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Psychological Factors - failure or
inability to cope and adjust to the difficulties in life
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Socio-economic Factors - loss of jobs, housing problems,
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What are some early signs and symptoms
of mental illness? |
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D |
Difficulty getting adequate
sleep. |
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A |
Attacks of palpitation usually
expressed as "nerbiyos" (nervousness) and associated with
unexplained fears. |
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Numbness of feet and hands,
constant complains of headaches. Frequent attacks of dizziness
and fainting. |
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G |
Getting away from people.
Persistent seclusion of oneself from other people. |
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E |
Excessive use of alcohol,
cigarettes, and prohibited drugs. |
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Relevant changes in attention,
judgment and concentration. Absent-mindedness. |
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O |
Over sensitiveness and
excessive irritability. |
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U |
Unfounded and/or exaggerated
suspicion. |
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Significant loss of interest in
activities of previous concern. |
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M |
Malnutrition and starvation. |
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I |
Irrational worries and
anxieties that highly affect his function as a person. |
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N |
Neglect of physical hygiene. |
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D |
Delusions and hallucinations |
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S |
Suicidal and homicidal |
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Can a person with mental illness be
helped? |
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YES. People with mental illness can
be helped if detected early and promptly and if adequate treatment is
given.
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What are some measures that can help
prevent mental illness? |
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M |
Maintain a good physical
health. |
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Educate yourself regarding
mental health and mental illness. Recognize early signs and
symptoms. |
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Nourish your skills and explore
your talents. |
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T |
Try to strike a happy medium
between work and play. |
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A |
Avoid excessive worrying. Solve
problems as they come. |
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L |
Learn to relax. |
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H |
Have a friend to confide in. Do
not carry your burden alone. |
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E |
Express your emotions and
feelings overtly. |
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A |
Accept changes and find ways to
overcome problems. |
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L |
Learn to laugh and enjoy life. |
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T |
Take one step at a time. |
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H |
Help yourself! Take charge of
the situation. |
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Treatment depends on
severity of illness and includes:
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Psychotherapy
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Pharmacotherapy - use of medicine
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Psychosocial Intervention - this includes family, play, physical,
recreational, occupational, and environmental therapeutic activities.
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Where can we seek help? |
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Family Physician
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School Guidance Counselor
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Chaplain, Pastor or Spiritual Director
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Trained Mental Health Worker
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Private Psychiatrist
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Government Mental Institutions
(National Center for Mental Health, PGH)
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Private Hospitals with Psychiatric
Services (UST, UERMMH, MMC, St. Lukes)
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Philippine Mental Health Association
(PMHA)
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