This document discusses mental health and psychological disturbances in relationships. It defines mental health as a state of well-being and the ability to cope with stress. Psychological disturbances may arise from relationship problems like divorce or affairs. Disturbances can cause issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, and eating disorders. Both minor and severe disturbances are discussed. The document also examines causes like traumatic events, loss, workplace changes, and adverse childhood experiences. Survival strategies suggested include relaxation exercises, time management, assertiveness skills, and consulting a counselling psychologist.

1. OSORO MOENGA FREDRICK
Counselling psychologist,
Center Manager ,
KIBCo college Thika
0717268348
branchadmin@kibco.ac.ke

2. 
Mental
Health:
Mental Health: 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
his or her community (WHO,
2007).

3. 
 It refers to the kind of general mental health
problems we can all experience in certain stressful
circumstances; For example, work pressures can
cause us to experience: poor concentration; mood
swings and sleep disturbance. Such problems are
usually of temporary nature, are relative to the
demands a particular situation makes on us and
generally respond to support and reassurance.
Mental ill health:

4. 
EXAMPLES OF RELATIONSHIPS
family
relationships
Worker
relationships
Romantic
relationships
acquaintanceships
Professional
relationships
Friendships

5. 
Klerman et al. (1984) suggests that
Disturbances in the roles that people
create in close relationships are thought
to be the main source of depression and
other psychological disorders.
These disturbances may be recent, as when
a woman who believes that her marriage
has been successful for years suddenly
finds that her husband is having an affair

6. 
Gender differences
Jack (1991) argues that women are
socialized to base most of their
self-concept and self-worth on
their relationships with others
and this is what makes them
more prone than men to
depression and anxiety

7. 
Gender differences cont’
Females are more likely to silence their
own needs and wants in a relationship
in favor of maintaining a positive
emotional tone in the relationship and
to feel too responsible for the quality
of the relationship.
This leads females to have less power
and to obtain less benefit from
relationships (Helgeson, 1994)

8. 
Minimal & severe
disturbances

9. 
Neurotic disturbance
 “Neurosis” is derived from Greek word “nerve”(neuron)
and “osis” (abnormal Condition) which means abnormal
mental condition
 Neurosis refer to disorders of “sense and motion” (William
Cullen, 1969)
 A psychological disturbance leading to minimal detachment
from reality and minimal impairment in fulfillment of daily
activities

10. 
Psychological
Impact of
relationships
depression
suicidal thoughts
substance abuse (e.g. drugs, alcohol,
psychoactive drugs, medication)
anxiety disorders
post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD)
sleep disorders
eating disorders
sexual disorders.

11. 

12. 
Adapted from Childrens Trust of South Carolina.
https://scchildren.org/prevention_learning_center/adverse_childhood_experiences_aces/

13. 
Causes of
psychological disturbances
 Traumatic events
 Loss and grief
 Changes in workplace
 Relationship strain
 Adverse childhood experiences

14. 
THE FOUR HORSES THAT KILL
A RELATIONSHIP
 CRITICISM
 DEFFENSIVENESS
 CONTEMPT
 STANE WALLING
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15. 
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16. 
 Relaxation excercises
 Proper time management
 Application of assertive skill
 Application of aversive skill
 Consult a counselling psychologist
SURVIVAL STRATEGIES