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Historical background of mental health problems
Types of risk factors influencing mental health and well being
Historical background of mental health problems
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Background Health is described as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (WHO, 2005; 2004). Mental Health, however, is a new direction in our society, and so a universal agreement on the theoretical clarification of mental health is likely to continue to evolve as there is considerable disagreement in relation to how we conceptualise and measure mental health (Cooke, Melchert, & Connor, 2016). Universally agreed upon, our mental health is central to well-being, and an essential component of effective functioning at both an individual and a community level (WHO, 2005). The WHO define the concept of positive wellbeing as synonymous with the term mental health stating ‘mental health is defined as a …show more content…
Therefore, they are flagged as a vulnerable age group and referred to as ‘emerging adults’ in the developmental stage between adolescents and adulthood (Arnett, 2012). The emerging adult stage ranges from the age of 18 to 29 years, but is particularly focused on 18 to 25 years (Arnett, 2000). This period is a time for identity exploration. A subjective, ambiguous time, emerging adulthood is when a young person does not see themselves as an adolescent, yet neither see themselves as having reached adulthood (Arnett, 2000). Although, emerging adulthood may seem like an enjoyable time for most, many face anxiety with the weight of adult responsibilities and experience serious problems and developmental challenges (Arnett, 2015). However, this stage is also seen as significant opportunity for positive development through teaching skills of positive adaption and resilience as they show the capacity for change and improved skills for positive well-being (O’Connor et al., 2014)
Wellbeing was first discussed as authentic happiness by Seligman. In the concept of authentic happiness he discussed the components of positive emotions, meaning in life and engagement. He had described these components to be very much essential in bringing in authentic happiness which he called as wellbeing. It takes the shape of subjective wellbeing, when it becomes subjective to a person’s experience alone. The concrete aspects of health and wealth may stay away from this, when a person’s subjectivity is concerned (Kammann, 1983). Over the years as we see in other studies, this concept has changed to subjective wellbeing being defined on the basis of all the areas of life, wherein the objective factors of wealth and health, and
The main concepts of mental wellbeing are about how an individual may think and feel on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis. How they react and cope with these thoughts and feelings, can hugely impact on their mental state of wellbeing. Different factors can contribute to a person’s mental wellbeing such as their personal relationships with others, social connections, the environment around them and their physical health. An individual must be able to identify and be confident enough to adapt to changes occurring in their life to maintain a good state of mental wellbeing. (Mind, 2016).
Over the course of a lifetime, one experiences a multitude of thoughts and emotions. Collectively, these thoughts and emotions relate to one another as they affect one’s mental health and well-being. According to the Oxford University Summer School program, “mental health refers to the psychological and the emotional well-being of an individual” (Mental Health). When one does not have a positive mental health state they struggle in quite a few areas. These areas involve coping, positivity, personal connections, expressing emotions properly, and their personal belief towards their value in society. One can cause a rift in relationships they have with others and can further deteriorate their mental health and overall well-being when they do not
Emerging adulthood which is between the ages of eighteen and twenty two, is a phase or rather a transitional period between late adolescence and a full pledged adult. It is a stage that defines independence and life possibilities. This phase has been analysed by theorists. By observing the development that occurs during this stage mentally, physically and emotionally. This essay will discuss three domains cognitive, physical and social emotional and use theories from Erikson, Levinsons, Vaillant, Labouvie-Vief, Sternberg,and Piaget. An interview has been conducted on a person in this age span to collect data and to provide real life examples. For the purpose of this assignment the interviewee will be known as Nigel.
Emerging Adulthood represents the period of development from late teens through their twenties, mainly focusing on the ages 18-25. This is the period which people start exploring and realizing the capabilities of their lives, which then helps them characterize as adults and no longer teenagers. This topic of psychology is compelling to me because it’s a stage that every adult has lived through, it’s interesting that we have all experienced it differently based on our life circumstances and demographics. It’s interesting to see the changes throughout the years and eventually it will be easier for young people to explore these years as more young adults are going to school nowadays. It teaches me to further understand why emerging adults go through
Adulthood is a stage of life that most humans confuse. Some people believe that they do not reach adulthood until they are completely independent, and others think it all depends on the age they mature. In this case study, I interviewed five college students to see how much knowledge they had on adulthood. Some of the students did relate to the “Child Development Ninth Edition” textbook by Laura E. Berk and others thought more about their experiences from childhood to now. The textbook by Berk states that adolescence start to develop into adulthood when they are 18 to 25 years old (Berk, p. 6). The book also points out that on adulthood stage, we tend to have a high self-esteem, consider love, career, and job competence.
In today’s society, there is substantial variation in the number of incidences of mental health disorders between individuals within a population. Even though most individuals with mental health problems do not seek professional help, the rehabilitation and treatment of those who do, does not decrease the number of psychological problems in a population. Instead, the number of mental disorders remains the same and/or possibly increases. It is therefore crucial to practice and use preventative approaches to control and possibly eliminate biological, psychological and social stressors that are detrimental to one’s psychological health. As a result, the use of promotional and protective factors thereby improves the overall mental health and well-being of an individual. In accordance with Dozois & Firestone (2010), mental health promotion falls under a continuum where minimal mental health is a result of poor coping skills and decreased self-esteem within an individual, and where optimal mental health suggests good coping skills, and a high self-esteem (p.442). The authors also indicate that risk factors (which increase negative mental health outcomes) and protective factors (which increases positive mental health outcomes or acts as a buffer to reduce risk factors) operates at three ecological levels: the individual level (e.g. biological, cognitive, etc.), the microsystem level (peers, family, schools etc.), and the macrosystem level (society as a whole). Everyone at some point in their lifetime experiences some risk factors and protective factors that can have a significant influence on their mental health and well-being. In this paper, I will discuss some of these risk and protective factors from my childhood, adolescence and adul...
Prince, M.; Patel. V.; Saxena, S.; Maj, M.; Maselko, J.; Phillips, M.R.; and Rehman, Atif. (2007). No Health without Mental Health. Global Mental Health Series 1, 370: 859–77
When Arnett first introduced the term Emerging Adulthood, he defined it as “a period of development bridging adolescence and young adulthood, during which young people are no longer adolescents but have not attained full adult status” (Arnett, 2004, p. 312). In many cases, emerging adulthood can be a rather lengthy transition period, typically beginning around the age of 18 and coming to its end around the age of 25, although Arnett would likely extend the upper age boundary to the age of 29 (as cited in Santrock, 2015, p. 402; Arnett, 2004). However, depending on the course of an individual’s life, one may be considered an adult at a much younger, or a much older age. A few examples of this may be related to an emerging adult’s self-identity,
According to Rene Dubos in his book, So Human an Animal, Dubos defined health as “a quality of life, involving social, emotional, mental, spiritual, and biological fitness on the part of the individual, which results from adaptations to the environment.” This conception of health has changed my overall understanding of how I, therefore, perceive health. Many people when talking about health consider the condition of their physiques and overlook the condition of their minds. However, health is not only about enhancing one’s physical aspects of health, but it also means being healthy in mind as well. An unhealthy mind result in a damaging body. Excellent mental health helps us make the most of life and enjoy it.
According to the C.D.C ( Centers for Disease Control) the term mental health is commonly used in reference to mental illness. However, knowledge in the field has advanced to a level that completely separates the two terminologies. But even so mental health and mental illness are indeed in fact related, they represent different psychological state of mind with in a person. Mental health refers to our physical and emotional well being. Mental health is mainly all about how we behave, interact, and think. It c...
In society today, there is an extensive range of definitions of health and wellbeing which can be seen as both positive and negative. A Holistic view can also be identified and defined. These definitions of health have changed over time and will carry on changing within the future. According to where a family lives or their social class everyone will have different meanings and views of health and wellbeing. This may be due to what one person perceives as being healthy as another person may not. Channel 4 learning (no date) describes that a positive view of health can be seen as when a person is more likely to achieve and sustain physical fitness from exercising and are mentally stable. Therefor a negative view can be described when a person is free from illness, disease, mental distress or anything which may be a symptom of not having good health. The holistic view of health sees the person as a whole instead of just directing at one area and therefore combines physical, social, intellectual and emotional factors together. Consequently, if a person has emotional difficulties such as how they interact with other people or how they may feel but are physically fit and free from illness does not mean that they are healthy overall as one factor has difficulties. It is also vital to consider the two main theoretical concepts known as the medical and social model of health. Polity books (no date) describes that the medical model views health in terms of disease, diagnosis and then treatment and very much views a body to be separate from psychological processes. Causes of ill-health within the body are seen to require expert interference from a doctor to provide treatment to prevent or kill of an illness within the body. The Social model...
Adulthood has often been associated with independence. It serves as a turning point in life where one has to take responsibility for oneself and no longer being dependent on his or her family. Early adulthood, usually begins from late teens or early twenties and will last until the thirties (Santrock, 2013). Early adulthood revolves around changes and exploration while middle and late adulthood are more of stability. The transition from adolescence and adulthood differs among every individual. The onset of the transition is determined by many factors such as culture, family background, and the personality of the individual. Emerging adulthood (as cited in Santrock, 2014) is the term to describe the transition period from adolescence to adulthood.
Transition and change are some of the most difficult obstacles for people to overcome. It is no surprise that adolescence, defined as the transition from childhood to adulthood, is full of obstacles (Feldman, 2012). During this time period, adolescents are neither adults nor children; they do not appear to belong in any stable group. However uncomfortable this may seem, it is also a fitting definition. For during the adolescent stage, adolescents face puberty, sexual curiosity, self-esteem issues, and doubts about their future (Feldman, 2012). Psychoanalyst Erik Erikson aptly argued that adolescents pass through the identity-versus-identity-confusion stage in which teenagers search for defining and unique characteristics about themselves (Feldman, 2012). When a teenager struggles with this stage, a crisis emerges in which they are unable to find an appropriate role in life, often acting out or pursuing dangerous behaviors (Feldman, 2012).
It is deeply alarming that ignoring mental health is systematically ignored as an important part of health promotion. This is shocking because, in theory, mental health is recognized as an important component of health, the close link between physical and mental health is recognized, and it is generally known that physical and mental health share many of the same social, environmental and economic components. We know that facilities dedicated to those with mental health problems are more vulnerable to the resources of physical diseases in many parts of the world, and it is essential that mental health promotion should not be equally affected