Better Mental Health

Psychological TestingEmotional IQChronic StressSymptomsStress Tests

It has always been easier to define mental illnesses than to define mental health. In the United States the American Psychiatric Association has traditionally been the organization to define mental disorders (beginning as early as 1917 when it was known as The Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions of the Insane). More recently many have recognized that mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. Even though many of us don't suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder, it is clear that some of us are mentally healthier than others. The study of the characteristics that make up mental health has been called "positive psychology." Here are some of the ideas that have been put forward as characteristics of mental health:

• The ability to enjoy life - The ability to enjoy life is essential to good mental health. James Taylor wrote that "The secret of life is enjoying the passing of time. Any fool can do it. There ain't nothing to it." The practice of mindfulness meditation is one way to cultivate the ability to enjoy the present. We, of course, need to plan for the future at times; and we also need to learn from the past. Too often we make ourselves miserable in the present by worrying about the future. Our life metaphors are an important factors that allow us to enjoy life

• Resilience - The ability to bounce back from adversity has been referred to as "resilience." It has been long known that some people handle stress better than others. Why are some Viet Nam combat veterans handicapped for life, while others become United States senators? Why do some adults raised in alcoholic families do well, while others have repeated problems in life? The characteristic of "resilience" is shared by those who cope well with stress.

• Balance - Balance in life seems to result in greater mental health. We all need to balance time spent socially with time spent alone, for example. Those who spend all of their time alone may get labeled as "loners", and they may lose many of their social skills. Extreme social isolation may even result in a split with reality. Those who ignore the need for some solitary times also risk such a split. Balancing these two needs seems to be the key – although we all balance these differently. Other areas where balance seems to be important include the balance between work and play, the balance between sleep and wakefulness, the balance between rest and exercise, and even the balance between time spent indoors and time spent outdoors.

• Flexibility - We all know people who hold very rigid opinions. No amount of discussion can change their views. Such people often set themselves up for added stress by the rigid expectations that they hold. Working on making our expectations more flexible can improve our mental health. Emotional flexibility may be just as important as cognitive flexibility. Mental healthy people experience a range of emotions and allow themselves to express these feelings. Some people shut off certain feelings, finding them to be unacceptable. This emotional rigidity may result in other mental health problems.

• Self-actualization - What have we made of the gifts that we have been given? We all know people who have surpassed their potential and others who seem to have squandered their gifts. We first need to recognize our gifts, of course, and the process of recognition is part of the path toward self-actualization. Mentally healthy persons are persons who are in the process of actualizing their potential. In order to do this we must first feel secure.

These are just a few of the concepts that are important in attempting to define mental health. The ability to form healthy relationships with others is also important. Adult and adolescent mental health also includes the concepts of self-esteem and healthy sexuality. How we deal with loss and death is also an important element of mental health. Please consider sharing your own ideas about mental health in the Forum.

Source: Taylor, James, 1977. Secret O' Life Album: JT; Professional experience of 25 years as a practicing clinical psychologist.

Anti-Social (Dissocial) Personality Disorder

§ Appear to be callous and unconcerned about how their behaviour makes other people feel, they do not feel guilt or profit from experience (for instance punishment). On the other hand will tend to blame other people for their problems or to find a way of rationalising what they have done

§ Because of their disregard for social norms, rules and obligations they act in ways that are regarded as unacceptably and grossly irresponsible

§ Cannot cope with a long term relationship, although forming one is not problematic

§ Cannot tolerate frustration and are prone to outbursts of aggression and violence

Anxious (Avoidant) Personality Disorder

§ Persistent and pervasive feelings of shyness, insecurity, apprehension and tension leading to restrictions in lifestyle

§ Believing oneself to be unlikeable, undeserving, socially inept, and less important than other people leading to a reluctance to get involved in relationships unless certain of being liked

§ Over-concerned by the fear of being criticised or rejected in social or work situations leading to an avoidance of any activity that involves having to inter-relate with other people

Dependant Personality Disorder

§ Encouraging or allowing others to make important life decisions and a limited ability to make every day decisions unless given excessive reassurance and advice

§ Unwilling to make demands on people, especially those people who play an important part in their life and by doing so becoming compliant and subordinate to other peoples wishes

§ Feelings of helplessness and discomfort when alone and anxiety about being abandoned by loved ones due to fears of being unable to care for themselves 

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder

There are two kinds of emotionally unstable personality disorder - ‘impulsive type’ and ‘borderline type’. They both share the

following characteristics:

§ A marked tendency to act impulsively without considering the consequences of these actions, for example engaging in unprotected sex or substance abuse

§ An inability to plan ahead, coupled with a lack of self control and outbursts of intense anger, which can lead to violence and other extreme behaviour, especially if impulsive acts are challenged or prevented by people around them  

The Impulsive type

Characterised by emotional instability and an inability to control impulses, with episodes of threatening behaviour and violence occurring particularly in response to criticism by others.

The Borderline type

Also characterised by emotional instability. In addition people with this type of personality disorder may experience severe doubts about their self image, aims and sexual preferences which cause upset and distress. It is common to experience a strong and debilitating sense of emptiness and this can lead to self harm and suicide threats. Liable to become involved in intense but unstable relationships which can cause them continual emotional crises, which they will endure to avoid being abandoned.

Causes and treatments

Like other personality disorders, 'Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder' is a controversial diagnosis. At present there is no consensus as to its causes or treatment

Some people find it helps to be open and honest about past events or situations which have upset them. This enables them to identify risky situations, which are more likely to set off their problematic behaviours. They can then devise strategies for dealing with those risky situations. Having access to a skilled carer or professional to support you through these reflective, problem solving processes can be of considerable benefit. 

Histrionic Personality Disorder§  

Given to theatricality, self dramatisation and exaggerating the expression of emotions  

Suggestible and easily influenced by others or circumstances

§ A need to constantly find activities offering excitement and the opportunity to be the centre of attention and a longing to be appreciated by other people

§ Over concern with physical attractiveness.

§ A tendency to act or appear in an inappropriately seductive way

§ A tendency to be persistently manipulative to achieve what they want and to be easily hurt if obstructed

Narcissistic Personality Disorder 

Arrogant and self important  

§ Fantasises about unlimited successes and achievements

§ Believes that they are special and can only be understood by other special people

§ Constant need for attention and admiration

§ Exploits others to achieve own ends

§ Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others

§ Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of them

§ Obsessive-Compulsive (Anankastic) Personality Disorder   

Feelings of excessive doubt and caution compensated by a need to adhere strictly to rules, lists and orders, although paradoxically this perfectionism often interferes with the successful completion of tasks

§ Close relationships and pleasurable activities are difficult to maintain in the face of the need to meet excessive standards of conscientiousness and productivity. This attitude is off putting to other people especially as they expect the same dedication from others or conversely will unreasonably seek to prevent others from doing things

§ § Rigid and stubborn in outlook, whilst also pedantic about doing the right thing

Paranoid Personality Disorder

§  

Extremely sensitive to experiencing failure or rejection

§ Hold grudges against people and will refuse to forgive insults, injuries or slights

§ Very suspicious and will often misconstrue the friendly or neutral behaviour of other people as being unfriendly or hostile. Also constantly suspicious about the fidelity of sexual partners

§ A preoccupation with personal rights and a sense of these being infringed even when this is not so.  Often self centered and self important

§ Prone to believing in conspiracy theories about events affecting their own lives and in the world at large

Schizoid Personality Disorder§  

Find pleasure in few, if any, aspects of their life

§ Unemotional, seem to be cold and unfeeling and find it very difficult to express anger or warmth to other people

§ Unaffected by the praise or criticism of others and noticeably insensitive to the norms and conventions held by society

§ Prefer to be on their own and have little interest in relationships (including close friendships or sexual ones)

§ Very introspective and preoccupied with fantasy

Schizotypal Personality Disorder 

difficulty in maintaining relationships and will tend to be socially withdrawn

§ Hold unusual beliefs such as magical thinking which will influence the way they behave

§ Hold ideas that are paranoid and overly suspicious

§ Given to thinking obsessively about a subject without being able

Behaviour is cold and aloof and in other respects is regarded as strange and eccentric

§ Experience e to let go, often this will be of a sexual or violent nature

§ Unusual perceptions such as ‘voices’, ‘visions’, ‘bodily experiences’.  Sometimes experienced as intense ‘psychotic’ episodes