Module 5: Mental health awareness Flashcards
(96 cards)
Managing distress
Learning how to cope with negative or difficult emotional states; form of self-regulation
The “tipping” point
The point at which someone begins showing signs and symptoms of strain/burden of perceive stress
Diff for each individual
Stress diathesis model
A psychological theory that attempts to explain a disorder or behaviour as an interaction btwn a genetic predisposition (vulnerability) and a risk exposure event (stressor)
Components of stress diathesis model
- Stress
- Diathesis
Stress diathesis model: stress
Triggers several interconnected biological systems
Allostasis
The process by which the body adapts to changes; essential for maintaining balance in face of challenges
Stress diathesis model: diathesis
A concept of vulnerability, a person’s predisposition or vulnerability to a medical condition
What can a diathesis be?
Can be biological through genetic inheritance, a psychological vulnerability created by exposure to stressor early in life or a vulnerability created by the interaction btwn hereditary (genetic) and environmental factors (G x E)
Brain plasticity
The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by recognizing its structure, functions or connections
Stress and allostasis-induced brain plasticity
Stress can trigger allostasis-induced brain plasticity which suggests that stressful experiences can affect brain structure and function
Findings from publication “Stress and allostasis-induced brain plasticity” by McEwan and Gianaros
- The brain and regulation
- Stress
- Stress and health
- Brain structure
What is the brain central in?
Stress diathesis model; determines what are threatening/adverse and what are positive experiences/exposures
What does the brain regulate?
An individual’s physical, emotional, behavioural and cognitive response to stressors, events, experiences
Findings: stress
Stress must be balance and can lead to positive growth and adaptation (steeling effect)
Steeling effect
Phenomenon where experiencing manageable levels of stress or adversity can strengthen an individual’s ability to cope with future challenges. It is based on the idea that exposure to stress in a controlled or limited way can build resilience.
Findings: stress and health
Too much stress, either chronic or acute overwhelming stress, takes a toll on the brain and body and is associated w poor mental and physical health outcomes
Findings: brain structure
When stressed, the brain changes its structure in an adaptive or maladaptive way ; the loss of resilience is a key feature of disorders related to stress (anxiety and depression)
The brain and perceived stress
The brain processes info from your internal (level of hydration, hormonal state) and external (work, family, friends) environment
Given your genetics and life experience, your brain reacts diff to the same stress and these factors determine your individual perceived level of stress
What does the brain control and coodinate?
Physiological, psychological and behavioural responses to perceived stress
Physiological, psychological and behavioural responses to perceived stress
Influencing metabolism, heart rate, anxiety levels, emotions, what you tell yourself and how you behave
How do the physiological responses result?
Signalling various systems including the HPA axis, the autonomic NS, the metabolic system, the gut and the immune system
Allostatic load
Wear and tear on the body and brain resulting from chronic dysregulation or overactivity/strain related to the process of allostasis (allostatic mediators)
Interventions that alleviate allostatic load
Healthy diet, regular cardiovascular exercise, social support, connectedness and good quality sleep
How GxE interactions appear to influence susceptibility to all experiences, good and bad
- Reduce risks
- Flourish