Mental Disorders

State Standard 1: Essential Concepts

1.11.M Describe common mental health conditions and why seeking professional help for these conditions is important.

State Standard 2: Analyzing Influences

2.1.M Analyze the internal and external issues related to seeking mental health assistance.

Background: A mental disorder is an illness that affects the mind and reduces a person's ability to function, to adjust to change, or to get along with others. For example, a mental disorder could affect a person's ability to study, keep a job, or make friends.

Some behaviors fall outside the broad range of normal behaviors. If behaviors, feelings, or thoughts are highly unusual and not appropriate to the situation, they are considered abnormal. Mental health experts see abnormal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors as signs, or symptoms, of a mental disorder.

Resources Needed: Computer, Internet Access, Microsoft Office Suite.

Lesson:

Read Chapter 4 (pages 80-110) in the Prentice Hall Health textbook.  

1. Explore more about Mental Illness by clicking here Mental Illness
2. What are some of the warning signs of Mental Illness? Click Warning Signs to discover more. 
3. Taking a Screening Test is one of the quickest ways to determine if someone is experiencing a mental health condition. 
4. Find out more about the Treatment that is available for individuals dealing with mental illness. 
5. Discover the various Resources that are available in our community to help. 

Please review the following videos that address the topic of mental illness and how it affects the lives of teens. 

Assignment:

Part A (50 points)

Do you know someone with a mental disorder? Using Microsoft Word select a mental disorder that you would like to find more information about and write a 2-3 page paper with an overview of the mental disorder of your choice. Include the warning signs of the disorder, symptoms, and treatment.

Part B (50 points)

Using Microsoft Publisher create a flyer with information about your disorder. Include warning signs, symptoms, treatment, and resources. (A resource can be a hotline, or local mental health service office) 

Discussion Board (25 points):

What you can do as a friend to support someone dealing with a mental illness? Include information you have learned about the mental disorder you have chosen. Initial post due Wednesday, responses to classmates due Sunday.

Rubric: Please review the Rubric for scoring information.

Conclusion:

It is important to not only understand mental illness, but it is important to show compassion for individuals that struggle with mental illness.By becoming an informed citizen we can work together to eliminate the stigma that surrounds receiving help for something that may be causing trouble in your life. If you are feeling that something is happening beyond your control there are many resources and help available to assist you or a loved one. 

References:

Behavioral Health Department. (2015). Retrieved November 19, 2016, from http://vchca.org/behavioral-health/mental-health---youth-family-services/transitions 

Mental Health America. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2016, from http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/ 

Parenkh, R. (2015, September). Warning Signs of Mental Illness. Retrieved November 18, 2016, from https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness 

Pruitt, B. E., Allegrante, J. P., & Prothrow-Stith, D. (2010). Health. Boston, MA: Pearson/Prentice Hall. 

School Calendar

2016-2017 Calendar