What is Mental Health and Mental Illness

What is mental health?

Good mental health is a sense of wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. It enables us to fully enjoy and appreciate other people, day-to-day life and our environment.
When we are mentally healthy we can:
  • form positive relationships
  • use our abilities to reach our potential
  • deal with life’s challenges

 

How can we improve our mental health?

A few tips for positive mental health are:
  • talk about or express your feelings
  • exercise regularly
  • eat healthy meals
  • get enough sleep
  • spend time with friends and loved ones
  • develop new skills
  • relax and enjoy your hobbies
  • set realistic goals
  • talk to your GP or a health professional

 

What is mental illness?

A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person thinks, behaves and interacts with other people. It is diagnosed according to standardised criteria.
Mental illness is common. One in five Australians will experience a mental illness. It affects people of all ages, educational and income levels and cultures.
A mental health problem also affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness.
Mental illnesses are of different types and degrees of severity. Some of the major types are:
  • anxiety
  • schizophrenia
  • bipolar mood disorder
  • personality disorders
  • eating disorders
  • depression
These illnesses may also be referred to as a mental disorder, mental impairment or psychiatric disability.

 

What causes mental illness?

Mental illness results from complex interactions between the mind, body and environment.  Factors which can contribute to mental illness are:
  • long-term and acute stress
  • biological factors such as genetics, chemistry and hormones
  • use of alcohol, drugs and other substances
  • cognitive patterns such as constant negative thoughts and low self esteem
  • social factors such as isolation, financial problems, family breakdown or violence
These factors can be minimised by a strong and supportive community environment.

 

Do you think you may be suffering from a mental illness?

If you feel you may be suffering from a mental illness, seek the advice of an experienced mental health professional. Visit your GP and discuss your concerns, book a longer appointment so there is time to explain your issues and how you are feeling.
Your GP may write a referral to a psychologist, which may entitle you to access Medicare rebates under the Federal Governments Better Access to Mental Health Care Rebate Scheme.
Remember your Doctor and psychologist are there to help, and will not judge.
If you would like to see a psychologist at Lifepath Psychology just ask your GP to write a referral letter, and attach your Mental Healthcare Plan. You will need to bring this referral letter and Mental healthcare Plan with you to your first appointment to receive the Medicare rebate.
To book an appointment at Lifepath Psychology, or request further information about our services, please feel free to email your query to admin@lifepathpsychology.com.au or call 6496 0039 and one of our friendly staff will more than happy to assist.

Health Benefits of Pets

Nothing makes a dog-lover feel better after a long day than their dog’s smiling face and wagging tail. And the unconditional love you may experience when your cat entwines itself affectionately around your legs can help lift your mood after a long day. Some pet owners may tell you how their beloved animals have helped influence their well-being.
Numerous studies indicate that companion animal ownership is associated with a range of physical, psychological and social health advantages. Examples of the health related benefits of pet ownership are:
Health benefit Benefits to owners Patients most affected
Physical health Cardiovascular health

  • Pets can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure (eg. patting a dog or watching fish swim peacefully in an aquarium)
  • Pet owners show improved recovery rates from heart surgery
Adults and the elderly, in particular those who are stressed, and/or have cardiovascular disease
Physical fitness (primarily for dog owners)

  • Dogs are great exercise partners and provide social support
  • Dog owners are more physically active (primarily though walking dog) and have reduced risk of obesity and better physical health
All ages, particularly those who are physically unfit or overweight
Immune system development

  • Exposure to pets lowers the likelihood of developing allergies
Children
Psychological health Animal assisted therapy (AAT)

  • AAT with dogs and/or fish can increase morale, eating habits and overall health in Alzheimer patients
  • AAT increased attendance, decreased violent behaviour, and increased language and social skills in children with ADHD
  • In clinical settings, AAT reduces stress in children
People of all ages with various disorders
Mental health

  • Owners are less likely to experience loneliness and depression, as pets provide social support (with similar effects to human-human relationships), and provide a sense of purpose
  • Older people with pets are less stressed by major adverse life events than nonpet owners
Adults (particularly during times of stress or loss of a loved one), the elderly, socially isolated, chronically ill (physical or mental) or those with a terminal illness, and/or physical impairment
Child development

  • Pets may play a role in the social-emotional development of children,
    including self esteem, autonomy and empathy for others
  • Children who own pets show increased trust, community feeling, safety, self confidence and self enhancement
Children and adolescents
Social health Pets as social enablers

  • Pets are a good catalyst for meeting people (eg. neighbours, strangers)
  • Other social opportunities, including animal clubs and societies
  • Pet attachment is positively correlated with family cohesion and adaptability
  • Improves social interaction for the elderly and those with Alzheimer disease when used in visiting programs
People living alone and/or those having difficulty meeting

(Royal Australian College of General Practitioner http://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/june/the-pet-effect/)

 

If you are considering owning a pet why not visit your local Rescue Shelter.
In the City of Armadale you can find

 

If you are unable to own a pet, why not consider volunteering your time to one of these fantastic agencies.
Pets make excellent companions, however, if you are really struggling to look after yourself then talk to your health care professional or doctor before you take on caring for a pet.