MENTAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

1. Prepared By
Priyanka Rana Kamboj
Nursing Tutor
CIMS College Of Nursing

2.  According to WHO “Health is defined as a state of complete
physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence
of disease or infirmity.”
 Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder.
 According to WHO “Mental health is defined as a state of well-being
in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope
with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully,
and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.
OR
 Karl menninger defines mental health as “an adjustment of human
beings to the world and to each other with maximum of
effectiveness and happiness”.

3. Mental Hygiene is defined as “a science dealing with the
preservation and promotion of mental health as well as
prevention and treatment of mental illness or abnormalities.”

4.  Mental Illness “An illness with psychological or behavioral
manifestation and/or impairment in functioning, due to
social, psychological, genetic, physical or biological
disturbances.” (American Psychiatric Association).
 “Mentally ill person means a person who is in need of
treatment by reason of any mental disorder other than
mental retardation”(Indian Mental Health Act, 1987).

5.  There is nothing to be called as perfect mental health.
 Mental health is a dynamic concept.
 Mental health can’t be achieved without physical health.
 Mental health and efficiency are not the same thing.
 Mental health and sociability are not the same thing.
 Mental health differs from ethical standards/Morality.

6.  He knows himself such as
own strength and weakness.
 Has the ability to make
adjustments.
 Emotionally mature and
stable.
 Intellectual powers are
adequately developed.
 Lives in the world of reality.
 Courage and tolerance to
face failures in his life.
 Free from mental illness.
 Good health habits.
 Self confident and optimist.
 Has an adequate sex
adjustment.
 Healthy interest and
aptitudes.
 Well balanced life.
 Satisfied with profession and
occupation
 Socially adjustable.

7.  Don't hold grudges. If you find yourself remembering and visualizing
an old wrong someone did or said, immediately stop, and think of a
new pleasant thought. Forgive and forget.
 Dump the "junk" out of your conscious thoughts. Cleanse your mind
do not be double minded. Say "I forgive that." or "I will not hold onto
that anymore." Try to forgive old wrongs quickly. Say so!
 Declare it! "I forgive that!" and then go on as if you do forgive it.
 Don't entertain bad thoughts. Clean up your speech and your
thoughts.

8.  Doubt your hearing and your sight, doubt your negative
interpretations of what you "heard" or "saw;" ignore subtle actions
of others.
 Assume that no one will think that you're odd if you:
 act calmly
 avoid erratic behavior (unpredictable behavior)
 avoid rambling (long & confusing) speech- get back on topic
 do not glare and grimace at people-smile a little
 do not argue or accuse people of insults, etc. in a public place.

9.  Avoid publicly laughing for no apparent reason or talking to
yourself--or muttering and giggling in public.
 Realize that your attitude makes a great impact
 Find an activity that seems worthwhile to accomplish and get
busy.
 Help someone that has less than you and wants some help.
 Tell yourself: "That was then and this is now." Which means
"I've gone on to something new and I don't need to even think
about that anymore."

10. Bodily signs Behavioral
Signs
General
features
Warning Signs of
Poor Mental
Health

11.  Emotionally unstable and easily upset.
 Suspicious and insecure.
 Self critical.
 Lack of self confidence.
 Lack of adjustment.
 Frustrations and conflicts.
 Over anxious and tensed.
 Poor self concept.
 Lives in the world of imagination.

12.  Sudden change in mood.
 Long lasting sadness.
 Temper tantrums.
 Excessive fear, worry.
 Confused thinking, illogical reasoning.
 Paranoid thinking.
 Delusions (false unshakeable belief) and hallucinations
(false sensory perception in absence of external stimulus)
 Alcoholism and drug abuse.
 Difficulty in concentration.

13.  Back pain
 Change in appetite.
 Chest pain.
 Diarrhea
 High blood pressure.
 Palpitations.
 Insomnia.
 Sexual problems

14. Strategies for adjusting with one self.
Strategies for adjusting with one’s environment

15.  The Strategy of knowing the self. Aware of own strength and
limitations so that realistic goals may be achieved.
 The Strategy of accepting one’s self: one who accepts and respects
oneself in its very shape and existence is likely to enjoy good mental
health while the others who blames self cannot lead a healthy mental
health.
 The Strategy of balancing the level of aspiration(hope of achieving
something): too high or low achievement aspirations are not good. It
should be based on own capabilities.

16.  The strategy of balancing his development: concentrate on
harmonies development of personality, in all of its dimensions such
as physical, mental, emotional, social and moral.
 Integrating self: one should not make one's self torn between the
opposing and conflicting desires and ambitions . Avoid unnecessary
tensions .
 Self driving and Shaping: we should decide our life and destiny
ourselves not under anyone's pressure.
 Self Control: believe in self discipline rather than forced discipline
not under anyone's pressure.

17.  Understand and Accept Others: Others interests, attitudes,
temperaments etc otherwise we may invite unnecessary quarrels and
tensions.
 Socialize self: mingle in society
 Satisfy the needs: security, love and affection, freedom, recognition,
etc.
 Train the Emotions: Flow of emotional energy into constructive
channels of life.
 Adjust to world of Work: work is worship. Do all the work with a
positive attitude.
 Positive attitude towards life: love and believe in yourself.
 Bear the stress and strain: stress management
 Maintain good physical health: exercise and diet.