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Dive into individual and group dynamics, common mental health disorders, and the impact of nutrients and toxicities on mental well-being in an interactive session led by Dr. Dimitri Spiliotis, a senior psychologist. Explore the intricate connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical sensations, and learn to navigate challenges in mental health. Gain insights on reducing the risk of depression, understanding social anxieties, and tackling common mental health obstacles. Walk away with practical tools, stigmas debunked, and a more compassionate approach to mental health issues.
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Mental Health Awareness Dr Dimitri Spiliotis Senior Psychologist
Agenda: • Individual dynamics • Emotional system • Common mental heath disorders • Group dynamics • - Nutrients & Toxicities Experiential exercises Q&As
Emotions are the units of our mental health E-motions = Movement
Individual dynamics Emotions The interaction Thoughts Connect + understand ourselves & others Feelings P Sensations Behaviours
Mental Health Difficulties When the interaction between thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical sensations becomes disturbed by internal and/or external factors. too rigid / too chaotic Like physical health, poor mental health increases our vulnerability to develop a mental health disorder. 1in 4 is affected in any given year. Physical exercise can reduce the likelihood of depression by 30%
Common Mental Health disorders • -Depression • -Anxiety Disorders • generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia, and simple phobias • -Schizophrenia • -Bipolar disorder
Social Anxiety: Vicious circle Thoughts What’s wrong with me? I need to look normal I should not say something stupid I will be rejected Feelings P Sensations Anxiety Anger Frustration Muscular tension Increased HR Sweating Behaviours Self-monitoring Repeating Avoiding Reassurance seeking
Group Dynamics Social nutrients Belonging; Being inspired; Being challenged; Sharing - skills/experiences; …
Group Dynamics • Stigmatisation • Myths vs. reality about mental health • “Us & them” • - Discrimination • Indirect • Direct • -Harassment /Bullying • violates a person’s sense of dignity and creates an environment that is intimidating, degrading, offensive or humiliating. Social toxicities
Common Obstacles • Fluctuation of energy levels • High anxiety of being judged or becoming the focus of attention (standing out) • Negative body image (weight gain due to medication, scaring from self harming etc) • Side effects (e.g., tremor, sweating, slowness)
CARE Model for coaches • C: Coaching and customer skills • - Talk to everyone before a session, especially new members to put them at ease; • - Talk about mental health; and/or participate in fundraising events supporting mental health charity organisations • - Offer alternatives if someone becomes distressed; • - Get feedback (what can you do more/or less). • A: Awareness • - Ask someone how they feel if you notice a change in their usual mood (are they happy/nervous/anxious); • - If someone reports currently having or had a history of a mental health problem ask them how can you be of help if they are having a difficult day
CARE Model • R: Respect • -Don’t ask intrusive questions (i.e. about scars or tremor etc;) • Treat people fairly/ avoid patronising; • Be available to listen; • Keep information confidential; • If you suspect risk take action (see last slide “resources”) • E: Empathy • How would you like to be treated when feeling unwell • Be open to learning and understanding mental health difficulties as an ongoing process; seek support/education • You don’t need to have answers but you can provide an open, non-judgmental, caring space. • See the person not a diagnosis.
Resources Organisations- Campaigns - www.mind.org.uk - www.time-to-change.org.uk Books - Things might go terribly, horribly, wrong: a guide to a life liberated by anxiety by Kelly Wilson - The happiness trap by Russ Harris Mobile applications (to practice mindfulness) Stop, Breath & Think Mindspace Crisis Plan Escort someone to A&E when appropriate, or call 999.