Topic 1 Mental health issues

Some of the most common conditions you may are:

  • Post traumatic stress disorder
  • Depression

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • A mental health condition, when people experience a variety of symptoms after the exposure to a traumatic event.
  • Most common symptoms include
    • Flashbacks
    • Re-living the traumatic event
    • Nightmares
    • Intrusive thoughts
    • Anxiety
    • Avoidance
    • Changes in mood and thinking

Coping PTSD:

  • Identify the triggers – try to think when PTSD symptoms come up, in which situations, how your body reacts. Take a paper and write the symptoms, situations and body reactions down.
  • Coping with triggers – internal triggers such as emotions and thoughts are difficult to control, however external triggers e.g. a specific place or event, is something that can be avoided if it works as a trigger
  • Work on effective coping strategies e.g. relaxation techniques, deep breathing, expressive writing –stress management courses can help
  • Have a safety plan- a safety plan is designed to keep you safe when you are suddenly confronted with a difficult situation or crisis. It is basically a way of planning ahead for how to cope with problems should they arise e.g. what would you do if you start to experience a flashback while at the grocery store? How would you cope with intrusive thoughts while at work?

You can learn more about it here

Depression

  • Common mental health issue, a mood disorder, much more than sadness
  • Most common symptoms include:
    • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
    • Loss of interest
    • Appetite or weight changes
    • Sleep changes
    • Loss of energy
    • Anger or irritability
    • Self-loathing
    • Concentration problems
    • Unexplained aches and pains

Treating depression

  • Depression, even in most serious cases can be treated.
  • Early diagnosis and immediate search for professional support is very critical for an effective treatment treatment.
  • Through psychotherapy, individually or in a group to better cope with challenges and reduce stress.
  • Through prescribed medication, which can improve the individual’s mood and reduce stress, always with the guidance of a health professional regarding the type of medication, the dosage and the duration of the treatment.
  • Through a combination of psychotherapy and prescribed medication.