Introduction to Mental Introduction to Mental DisordersDisorders

Myth or Reality Are the following statements myths or realities Are the following statements myths or realities

regarding mental disorders?regarding mental disorders?

1. Mental disorders are uncommon amongst teenagers?

MYTH!!!2. Many teenagers will experience 2. Many teenagers will experience

depression at some point in their life.depression at some point in their life.REALITY!

Myth or Reality

3. People who have a mental illness are just "crazy.“3. People who have a mental illness are just "crazy.“• Myth! Just like cancer is a real medical condition,

mental disorders are real and can be severe!

4. People with a severe mental illness, such as 4. People with a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, are usually dangerous and violent.schizophrenia, are usually dangerous and violent.

• Myth: The incidence of violence in people who have a mental disorder is not much higher than it is in the general population. Those suffering from schizophrenia are more often frightened or confused than violent.

Myth or Reality

5. Depression results from a personality 5. Depression results from a personality weakness or character flaw. People who are weakness or character flaw. People who are depressed could just snap out of it if they depressed could just snap out of it if they tried hard enough.tried hard enough.

• Myth: Depression has nothing to do with being lazy or weak. It results from changes in brain chemistry or brain function, and medication and/or therapy often help people to recover

Myth or Reality

6. If you have a mental illness, you can will or 6. If you have a mental illness, you can will or wish it away. Being treated for a psychiatric wish it away. Being treated for a psychiatric disorder means an individual has in some disorder means an individual has in some way "failed" or is weakway "failed" or is weak

• Myth: A serious mental illness cannot be willed or wished away. Ignoring the problem does not make it go away, either. It takes courage to seek professional help.

What is it?What is it?

• Mental DisorderMental Disorder: illness that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors

• If someone has a mental disorder, it does not mean they are crazy or weak. A person with a mental disorder didn’t CAUSECAUSE it, but can definitely do something about it.

• The best thing wewe can do is understandunderstand, not judgejudge.

Common Mental DisordersCommon Mental Disorders

• DepressionDepression: prolonged sadness and hopelessness for long period of time, can’t shake the feeling or might lose desire to take part in daily activities

• Bi-Polar DisorderBi-Polar Disorder: uncontrollable cycles of extreme highs and lows

• SchizophreniaSchizophrenia: False perceptions of reality, hallucinations, or delusions: uncontrollable

Common Mental DisordersCommon Mental Disorders

• Anxiety DisordersAnxiety Disorders: range from feelings of uneasiness to immobilizing bouts of terror. Includes OCD, panic disorder, and phobias.

• OCDOCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder = repeated, unwanted, disturbing thoughts. Can include ritualized behaviors.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Triggered by memories of traumatic experience such as wartime or abuse

Consider helpConsider help

• When do I know I need help? Shouldn’t I deal When do I know I need help? Shouldn’t I deal with it on my own?with it on my own?

• There is no timeframe to deal with mental disorders on your own. If you had a sickness, you would go to a doctor.

• If you feel like depression or other mental issues are interfering with your normal self, perhaps it’s time to seek help

Types of HelpTypes of Help

• TherapyTherapy: Ranges from group, family, to individual includes psychological help to deal with stress or problems. Topics discussed range for each person, but include: help overcoming difficult times, make changes, and venting frustrations

• MedicationMedication: Depending on the disorder, drugs can be effective for those with a condition if taken appropriately. Ritalin, for example, can have severe negative effects for people taking who do not have ADHD

Psychiatrist vs. PsychologistPsychiatrist vs. Psychologist

• The difference between a psychiatristpsychiatrist and a psychologistpsychologist is:

• A psychiatrist can prescribe medicationmedication while a psychologist cannot

• However, both have been trained extensively on helping others with mental, emotional, sexual, and behavioral issues

• If you decide therapy is for you, don’t settledon’t settle. Choose someone you trust!

Where to call for help?Where to call for help?

• If you’re in a crisis and need help immediately, call 9-1-1.

• If you just need someone to talk to confidentially, you can call:

• Crisis Support of Alameda County:Crisis Support of Alameda County: 1-800-309-2131

• Suicide HotlineSuicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE• Help HotlineHelp Hotline: 1-800-448-3000

Places that can helpPlaces that can help

• Kaiser Permanente- Kaiser Permanente- Psychology/Psychiatry» http://www.kp.org

• Kaiser Permanente: Teen CenterKaiser Permanente: Teen Center– 510-248-3600 (confidential)

• Washington Hospital Washington Hospital • http://www.wwhs.com/

• Tri-City Health Center (low and no cost Tri-City Health Center (low and no cost services): services): http://www.tri-cityhealth.org