Mental Health and Mental Illness Fundamentals Part 1 | Counselor Toolbox 284

Mental Health and Mental Illness Fundamentals
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Neuroscience of Mental Health
~ Creation of emotions and our ability to think and perceive things occurs in the brain
~ The workings of the brain depend on the nerve cells being able to communicate with each other
~ Structural
~ Nutritional
~ Each neuron makes over 1000 connections
~ The frontal lobe is involved with motor behavior
~ The prefrontal cortex is responsible for planning and integrating cognitive and emotional streams of information
~ The brain continues to develop until about age 25
~ Electrical signals from the neuron are converted to chemicals called neurotransmitters
~ Neurotransmitters are released from the sending neuron into the space between neurons. They attach like a key into a “lock” called a receptor. This triggers the receiving neuron to pass on the signal.
~ The more receptors that are stimulated the more intense the reaction
~ Excitatory Neurotransmitters include norepinephrine and glutamate
~ Inhibitory neurotransmitters include GABA and to some extent serotonin
~ Other neurotransmitters include dopamine (5), acetylcholine, endorphins (natural opiates), substance P (pain, anxiety, stress)
~ Neurotransmitter availability is impacted by
~ The presence of other neurotransmitters and hormones
~ Quality and quantity of the neurotransmitter
~ Vitamins and minerals help break down amino acids (proteins) to make neurotransmitters.
~ Without proper nutrition and adequate stress management the neurons will not be able to function effectively.

Anxiety
~ Triggers the fight or flight response
~ OCD, panic disorder and phobias are in this family
~ OCD has components of
~ Anxious emotions
~ Obsessional thinking
~ Behavioral compulsions
~ It is estimated that 45% of people will experience an addiction in their lifetime
~ Risk and protective factors
~ Individual
~ Biological
~ Psychosocial
~ Correlation, causation leading to consequences
Epidemiology cont…
~ Causes of health and disease are generally viewed as a product of the interplay or interaction between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors
~ Biopsychosocial model
~ One factor by itself may not weigh heavily, but the combination of factors are exponentially additive
Biological Factors
~ No single gene or even a combination of genes dictates
~ environmental factors (e.g., psychosocial environment, nutrition, health care access) can play a significant role in the severity and course of a disorder
Biological cont…
~ Infectious agents can penetrate into the brain where they can cause mental disorders
~ HIV-associated dementia
~ Caused not by direct infection of neurons, but by infection of immune cells known as macrophages which indirectly cause dysfunction and death in nearby neurons by releasing toxins
~ New classification of OCD called PANDAS: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection
~ PANDAS are caused by antibodies against the strep infection that also manage to attack the basal ganglia region of the child’s brain
Biological Protective Factors
~ Adequate prenatal care
~ Adequate medical care
~ Proper hygiene and health practices
Psychosocial Protective Factors
~ Environment: Safe, nurturing, stimulating
~ Protection from
~ Abuse and neglect
~ Abandonment and life stress
~ Household member with mental illness or substance use disorder
~ Household conflict/family dysfunction
~ Consistent support
~ Positive peer relationships
~ School success
~ A sense of control over environment
Individual Protective Factors
~ Full term birth (Prematurity)
~ Early intervention for
~ Developmental delays (Genetic or illness related)
~ Physical disabilities
~ Comorbid mental health issues
~ Temperament
~ High self-esteem
~ Nutrition
~ Sleep

Summary
~ Mental health is largely impacted by the functioning of the brain and the learning experiences of the person.
~ Psychosocial protection includes ensuring a safe, supportive environment, and the development of healthy coping skills.
~ Individual protection includes good health behaviors, development of self-esteem, understanding one’s temperament and needs and receiving early intervention for any traumas, developmental delays or disabilities.

[sistad]

Viewed on 04/27/2020. Although I enjoy working with children with disabilities, this presentation reminded me just how much I MISS working in the Diversion and Treatment Program as an RSC2 for Miami Dade County Government. I was a counselor in that position for 14 years until a budget reduction layoff. The presentation given by the presenter was thorough and well displayed. I believe this has been the most informative presentation as it applies to everyone. It's beneficial to know that mental health is mostly influenced by the functioning of the brain and our personal learned experiences that we process. It's also favorable to know what to look for since there is no sure way to prevent mental illness, however help is available! I highly recommend!!!

[mariaquintana]

Mental health, self-esteem, and illness in students and staff is important to know. Very insightful video. Watched 04/30/2020, Maria Quintana (MDCPS)

[larrywilliams]

Trisha Williams
Very informative! The presenter was great.
American Patriot

[martyzayas]

Watched 4/27/2020- mental health education and the ability to see the signs is important in today's climate

[raquellopez]

Raquel Lopez. Very interesting this video, to work with these students, first requires a lot of knowledge and professional preparation, a lot of love and understanding.

[carlawilson]

Very educational and professionally presented. Interesting and engaging for all knowledge levels.

[stuarthecht]

Excellent, informative video. I learned so much, and the material was presented in a clear, easy to understand manner. Watched on April 14, 2020.

[nicolesjourneywiththeholys]

Nicole Brown 4/20/2020 Monday. This video was very informative. Robert Renick Educational Center. MDCPS

[mayradelrio]

Very important information and interesting video. Watched on 4/30/2020

[alwaysgratefulgratitude]

Very informative, great presenter. MDCPS 4 16 2020

[hijkl]

Very interesting and useful not only for the job but for our own life. MDCPS 4/17/2020 Marta Martinez

[johnvispisiano]

Very informative and well explained. Ms. Kathy at MDCPS

[BlancaGonzalez-ddsx]

Very good video, very educational! BG

[MariaChavez-phdi]

Helpful information and tips to work with students that need special treatment.

[mariancounsellor]

Another great video. I just subscribed 👍🏽

[mes.ic-]

Very interesting to know what to look for. Maria Solares 4/30/2020

[carlosgarcia]

very interesting.very professional.super

[tonisvaldivia]

Learn a lot of things that I did't know. Watched 4-17-2020

[yasmingonzalez]

Clear and informative, M-DCPS. Watched April 21, 2020 Yasmin Gonzalez

[cachitacaballero]

Very interesting and clear exposition highly recommended . 04/14/2020 C.Caballero MDCPS HES