Module 1

What is Mental Health?

According to the WHO (World Health Organization):

“ Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

This video will help you define mental health, offer information about well-being and introduce indicators to measure your own emotions.

We All Have Mental Health

Mental health refers to an individual's cognitive, behavioral and emotional well being. Our mental health affects how we think, feel and behave (act). It also helps us figure out how we handle stress in our everyday lives and our ability to relate to others and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of our lives from childhood, adolescence and adulthood. There are many things in life that can affect someone's mental health that can result in mental health problems such as poor relationships with family or friends, biological factors such as genes, trauma or life experiences and abuse.

Positive Mental Health

  1. I can realize my full potential

  2. I can recognize the signs of when I’m getting stressed, sad or angry

  3. I can ask for help when I'm feeling overwhelmed

  4. I can express my emotions in a health way

  5. I can cope with the stresses of life

  6. I can finish my work and work productively

  7. I can make connections with others

  8. I can make meaningful contributions to my community

Poor Mental Health

  1. I’m barely sleeping at night/I’m sleeping way too many hours at night

  2. I don’t want to get out of bed

  3. I’m often tired

  4. I don’t want to leave my house

  5. I’m too tired to take a shower or do my homework

  6. I don’t want to ask for help because I don’t want anyone to judge me

  7. I’m having a hard time relating to others

  8. I often have negative thoughts

  9. I’m having a hard time concentrating

  10. I don't feel like talking or socializing with friends


Stigmas

My people suffering with their mental health do not ask for help because they are afraid of being judged or stigmatized.

Stigmatizing phrases or words

People who suffer from a mental health illness are:

  1. Weird

  2. Weak

  3. Lazy

  4. Dumb

  5. Looking for attention

  6. Faking their illness



Activity 1

What is Mental Health?


Use the classroom discussion board to answer the question above.

Classroom Discussion Board