Components of biopsychosocial model
- Biological
- Psychological
- Social
Biological component of biopsychosocial model
genetic determinants, brain development
Psychological component of biopsychosocial model
thoughts, behaviour/coping, self-concept, self-awareness
Social component of biopsychosocial model
connectedness, context, maltreatment
What are the components of the biopychosocial model?
Not mutually exclusive, interact with each other
Distal risk factors
- Trauma, abuse, neglect, bullying in childhood
- Adversity in form of chaotic, unsafe or insecure home environment
- Poor early attachment relationship and or early loss
- Poor quality of nutrition, sleep, recreational opportunities
- Family history of mental disorders
Proximal risk factors
- Social isolation or exclusion
- Non-supportive or abusive relationships
- Alcohol binging
- Regular cannabis use or substance misuse
- Poor quality sleep
- Non-regular exercise
- Poor emotional and behavioural self-regulation
- Symptoms of anxiety, worry or depression
- Chronic stress that feels out of control
Distal protective factors
- Secure attachments
- Nurturing and compassionate relationships growing up
- Safe and secure home environment
Proximal protective factors
- Healthy coping strategies
- Social support
- Security and stability
- Good sleep hygiene
- No substance misuse
- Healthy study-life balance
Indicators of possible mental health concern
- Changes in feelings
- Changes in behaviour
- Changes in thinking
- Sustained change
Changes in feelings
- Irritable, sad, anxious
- Mood swings
- Lonely even when not alone
- Sensitive, easily hurt or angry
- Decreased hope, lack caring, sense of dread
Changes in behaviour
- Stop attending classes
- Give up hobbies and previously enjoyable activities
- Withdraw from social events
- Poor sleep
- Arguments with friends
- Unhealthy ways of coping
Changes in thinking
- Poor concentration
- Self-criticism
- Over-worry
- Pessimism
- Thoughts of self-harm
Sustained change
- The difficult feelings interfere with friendships or school
- The difficult feelings do not go away
- Others who know you notice a change or that you are struggling
Mental health resources and services
- Online well-being resources
- Counselling (queens student wellness)
- Family doctor
- 24-hour hotlines
- Hospital urgent care
- Ongoing support services: psychologist or psychotherapist
Contributions to increased demand of mental health and well-being support
- Brain undergoing accelerated growth and is sensitive to what it is exposed to
- Students experiencing many changes such as leaving home, more responsibility etc.
- Stigma related to reporting mental health problems is decreasing
- Adjusting to new circumstances or life events
Why are off-campus clinical services not sufficient to meet student mental health support needs?
- Often target adults with chronic and persistent mental illness, however many students have clinically symptoms but may not have a persistent or serious mental illness
- Students need quick access to support bs of shirt academic terms
- Community services often not tailored for student demographic
What characteristics are most important for a university mental health services?
- Proactive and preventative
- Health promotion focused
- Engaging
- Student friendly and accessible (short wait times)
- Compassionate
- Helpful from first contact
- Tailed to meet individual student needs
Policy recommendations for how universities could promote and support student well being and mental health
- A safe and inclusive learning community; an ethos of compassion and connectedness; regard for a healthy and sustainable environment
- Stepped care model offering evidence-based care at diff levels of intensity based on need
- Single accessible point of entry to all services
- Partner with students to co-create and develop wellness services
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MODULE 1: Intro to the science of well-being, mental health and resiliency60
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MODULE 2: The three S's- stress, sleep and self-regulation92
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Module 3: Alcohol, recreational drugs and mental health85
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Module 4: A health study-life balance86
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Module 5: Mental health awareness96
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Module 6: Applying what you have learned19
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Long answer20
