Understanding Mental Well-being

KMU1013 Helping Relationships RELEASED ON: 15/06/2022

UNDERSTANDING

MENTAL

WELL-BEING

Are you facing mental disorder?

Is Mental Well-being Important?
What actually is mental well-being?

CONTENTS

pg.3 pg.8

WHAT IS MENTAL WELL-BEING? TYPES OF MENTAL HEALTH
DISORDER
pg.4
pg.10
IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL WELL-
BEING PREVENTION OF MENTAL HEALTH
DISORDERS
pg.6
pg.11
FACTORS AFFECTING MENTAL
WELL-BEING HOW TO DEAL WITH MENTALLY
ILL PERSON

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 2

WHAT IS UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 3
MENTAL WELL-BEING?

The word "mental well-being" is a broad term that is hard to pin down.
According to World Health Organization (2018), health is a condition of
complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not only the absence of
sickness or disability. This concept implies that mental health encompasses
more than the absence of mental diseases or impairments. Mental health refers
to a condition of well-being in which an undertake their potential, can cope with
everyday challenges, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to
society. Mental health is crucial at all stages of life, from infancy to adolescence
and maturity.

Mental illness is anticipated to overtake heart disease as the second most
common cause of death in Malaysians by 2020. Suicide is the fourth most
common cause of death among those aged 15 to 29. Children aged between 15
to 18 years old accounted for 51% of the 1,708 suicide cases recorded by the
Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) between January 2019 and May 2021.
According to the latest National Health and Morbidity Survey, 424000
Malaysian youngsters have mental health issues (Institute for Public Health,
2020).

IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL WELL-BEING

Today, individuals are more concerned with their physical health, but majority overlook
their mental health. A healthy body without a healthy mind can lead to a slew of issues.
Mental well-being is just as vital as physical well-being. Studies have shown an inherent
correlation between people's psychological activities and the physiological functions of
the human body. This component of your health affects your ability to function
psychologically, emotionally, and socially, among other things. Mental diseases and
illnesses account for 14% of the worldwide disease burden. Hypertension is far more
common in places with a fast-paced lifestyle and high pressure, such as Tokyo, Beijing,
and London. What are the general reasons for being concerned about mental health?

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 4 A. Enhance self-image B. Promote people’s

How people feel about themselves is linked comprehensive development
to their mental wellness. The state of one's
mind has an impact on one's self-esteem. A Stabilizing constructive behaviors,
positive mental state is typically emotions, and thoughts requires
accompanied by confidence. A confident maintaining positive mental health and
individual is more aware of their current managing any mental health disorders.
physical and mental state. They encourage Mental wellness can aid in a person's
and protect themselves against unpleasant overall growth. A healthy mind is a
feelings by bringing out the best in prerequisite for human development on all
themselves. People with good mental levels, as well as a necessary condition for
health are more likely to concentrate on displaying intellect at work, actively
their benefits. These abilities have been participating in social activities, and
developed, and they are often driven by a continuing to improve. The revelation of a
desire to live a healthy and happy life. person's growth is directly influenced and
limited by their mental health.

C. Improve relationship UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 5

There are many incidents of teenagers attacking and killing their parents in
today's culture, many of which are related to their poor mentality. All of these
problems are the result of imperfections and deviations in their personality
development from growing up. Being mentally healthy and having a good
character, I believe this is among the most crucial foundations for family and
society harmony and stability. If you are mentally healthy, you may be able to
provide more time, affection, and support to our friends and family (Plumptre,
2021). When you are not emotionally troubled, it is easier for us to be with and
care for those who care about us, which improves your relationships.

D. Better Productivity

People with different sorts of job have distinct psychological states, and mental
health is intimately related to the working environment. Mental health
practitioners have high expectations and are held responsible for its actions.
Even though there will be some hard work and exhaustion during the job process,
it seems to be one of the primary approaches for people to enrich their work and
life content. Only this, you can identify your capabilities better, recognize your
worth, and increase your work efficiency. Feelings, perceptions, memories,
imagination, and thinking are all mental activities for students. Students' practical
actions can increase the growth of learning efficiency to a higher extent when
these psychological activities are under control. As a result, if you're mentally
strong, you'll be more likely to operate more efficiently and produce higher-
quality results.

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 6 FACTORS AFFECTING MENTAL WELL-BEING

SOCIAL INFLUENCE

Social variables and social institutions influence almost every element of mental health
and well-being. The efficiency of social institutions, as well as the degree to which they
foster supportive connections, coping skills, and personal dedication, all play a role in
mental health outcomes. Adverse social and developmental variables may enhance
susceptibility to major mental disease or contribute to the onset of illness in people
who are already sensitive. Age, gender, socioeconomic class, race and ethnicity, familial
arrangements, and other key social elements are all linked to mental illness, either by
contributing to its start or course or through social selection factors. Furthermore,
social factors interact in complex ways, such that the impact of socioeconomic status
or gender on mental health outcomes varies by age or birth cohort (Mechanic &
McAlpine, 2018).

FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Financial troubles, like any other form of
extreme stress, can negatively effect your
mental and physical health, relationships, and
general quality of life. Sleep, self-esteem,
and energy levels can all be affected by
financial issues. It can make you furious,
humiliated, or terrified, as well as making you
depressed or anxious. It can also cause
tension and disagreements with those closest
to you, intensify pain and mood swings, and
even increase your risk of depression and
anxiety. To cope with your anxieties, you
may turn to unhealthy coping techniques like
drinking, drug abuse, or gambling. Financial
stress might potentially lead to suicide
thoughts or actions in the worst-case
scenario. When financial strain becomes
unbearable, it can take a toll on your mind,
body, and social life (Coping with financial
stress, 2022).

GENETIC UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 7

Many previously thought-to-be-separate mental
illnesses have genetic faults in common. The
discovery could lead to more accurate diagnoses
and treatments for certain illnesses. As scientists
have long known, many psychiatric illnesses run in
families, implying genetic causes. Autism,
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
bipolar disorder, major depression, and
schizophrenia are examples of such disorders. It
might be difficult to discern between these five
basic psychiatric illnesses since symptoms
sometimes overlap. Their comparable symptoms
imply that they may share biological
characteristics. Recent research has found some
evidence of common genetic risk factors for
schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, autism and
schizophrenia, and depression and bipolar disorder
(National Institutes of Health, 2015).

LIFESTYLE

A person's physical and mental health can be greatly influenced by their lifestyle
choices (The Scientific World, 2020). Lifestyle factors may stimulate brain chemistry
and then lead to mental illness. A healthy lifestyle with suitable treatment
alternatives can help you improve your mental health. Preventing serious
psychiatric diseases requires identifying healthy lifestyle options that enhance
mental well-being and lessen psychological issues (The Scientific World, 2020).
Eating nutritious foods can boost your mood and help you regain the structural
integrity of your brain cells, which is essential for cognitive performance. Getting
adequate sleep helps your mental health and allows your body to recover more
quickly from illnesses. Exercise is quite helpful in the treatment of mental health
issues. Meditation and relaxation practices can aid in the control of your temper,
the tolerance of frustration, and the management of stress and worry. One of the
top activities you can do for your mental health is to quit smoking and avoid using
drugs. People can avoid despair, anxiety, and neurotic personality traits by having a
healthy connection.

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 8 TYPES OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER

Antiety disorders

Anxiety is characterized by feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It may cause you to
sweat, feel agitated and tense, and have a racing heart. It could be a normal stress reaction.
You may experience anxiety when confronted with a difficult problem at work, before
taking a test, or before making an important decision. It may assist you in coping. Anxiety
may give you more energy or help you focus. However, for people suffering from anxiety
disorders, the fear is not fleeting and can be overwhelming. Anxiety disorders are
conditions in which you experience persistent anxiety that can worsen over time.
According to White Swan Foundation (2015), symptoms can disrupt daily activities such as
job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.

Three (3) types of anxiety
disorders are Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD), panic disorder
and phobias. GAD sufferers are
concerned about everyday issues
such as health, money, work, and
family. Besides, panic disorder is
panic attacks that occur in people
who suffer from panic disorder.
These are brief, repeated episodes
of intense fear in the absence of
danger. However, phobias are
people who suffer from phobias
are terrified of something that
poses little or no actual danger.
They may be afraid of spiders,
flying, crowded places, or social
situations.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders
vary depending on the type. They
all, however, have a combination
of uncontrollable anxious
thoughts or beliefs. They make
you feel agitated and tense even
disrupt your daily life. They do not
go away and may worsen with
time. Physical symptoms include a
racing heart, unexplained aches
and pains, dizziness, and shortness
of breath. Changes in behavior,
such as avoiding commonplace
activities.

Depression

Depression is a serious medical condition. It's more
than just a sense of sadness. Depression is a brain
disorder. Genetic, biological, environmental, and
psychological factors are among the causes. U.S.
National Library of Medicine stated that depression
can strike at any age, but it most commonly strikes
teenagers and young adults. Symptoms of depression
can include feeling sad, lost of interest in favorite
activities, feeling tired and hopeless or guilty and
headaches.

Psychotic disorders

Psychotic disorders are serious mental disorders characterized by aberrant thoughts
and perceptions. People suffering from psychoses lose contact with reality. Delusions
and hallucinations are two of the most common symptoms. Delusions are incorrect
beliefs, such as believing that someone is scheming against you or that your television is
sending you hidden messages. Hallucinations are delusory perceptions, such as hearing,
seeing, or experiencing something that is not present. According to U.S. National Library
of Medicine, Schizophrenia is one type of psychotic disorder. Schizophrenia is a severe
brain disorder. It causes people to hear voices that aren't there. They may believe that
others are attempting to harm them. When they talk, they don't always make sense. The
disorder makes it difficult for individuals to work or care for themselves.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 9

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental
disorder that develops in some persons after witnessing
or experiencing a terrible event. Combat, natural
disasters, car accidents, and sexual assault are all
examples of life-threatening traumatic occurrences.
However, not all events are inherently hazardous. For
example, the unexpected death of a loved one might
cause PTSD. Fear prompts the "fight-or-flight" reaction.
It is your body's defense mechanism against potential
danger. U.S. National Library of Medicine has stated that
it will produce hormonal changes as well as increases in
alertness, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
There are two symptoms of PTSD including re-
experiencing symptoms. For example, flashbacks, which
make you feel as if you are reliving the event, and
nightmares. Besides, cognitive and mood symptoms such
as loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

We should be aware that preventing mental health disorders is a crucial component
and strategy for enhancing other people's mental health. It resembles stopping the
onset and progression of mental health issues. "It aims to reduce the incidence,
prevalence, and recurrence of mental health disorders and their associated disability." said
Josefien Breedvelt in 2018.

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 10 First Prevention: Promote Healthy Second Prevention: Surround Yourself
Lifestyles With Positive Thinking People


A healthy lifestyle includes getting
adequate sleep, eating nutritious meals, One person cannot lives a positive life if
and exercising regularly. Sleep and mental he or she always spends time with the
well-being are intertwined, mental illness people who drag them down. It is because
can impair sleep, and poor sleep can the people you surround yourself with are
negatively impact mental health. A well- a reflection of you. Hence, the one who is
balanced diet can help to feel better and easily affected by other emotions and falls
boost the mood. Exercise is a significant in low spirits should take note. A positive
positive impact on mental health, both in thinking person is just like lending
terms of increasing positive mental health emotional support which always
and in terms of assisting in the treatment motivates and cheers you up indirectly.
of mental diseases such as depression. Oprah Winfrey had said, "Surround
yourself with those who only lift you
Exercise can help a person feel better, higher." Always surround yourself with
boost self-esteem, relieve stress, and this person, you are able to value yourself
reduce anxiety. more and feel energized.

Third Prevention: Learn How To Deal
With Stress



It is common for everyone to face stress
in life. The important thing is how could
one person cope with this stress. There
are many things or activities you can do
when you are facing stress or feeling
down. Make time for your favourite
things by singing, exercising, drawing,
watching TV, or even sleeping. Besides,
taking a deep breath repeatedly can help
to relax our minds to release stress.
Lastly, laughter can stimulate endorphins
that counteract the negative effects of
stress hormones.

- GETTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT -

Nowadays, people often avoid approaching mentally ill patients or even despise them as
misfit. There is one of the common reason in our country that causing the prevalence of
mental illness increased over years. And the majority of these patients are not only
suffer from illness but also prejudice and discrimination. Besides, they also do not
receive adequate personal dignity and legal rights. This will ultimately be detrimental to
the treatment and rehabilitation of mental ill patients, and even result a vicious circle.

In fact, whether a mentally ill person will cause harm to others or they can get better
recovery is largely depend on the attitudes of people around them, especially their family
members.

Sensitive & Suspicious Patients Depressed & Self-Blame Patients UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 11

Repeated persuasion gives them sense Treat them with kindness and patient
of security. Make eye-contact and be explanation. Respect them when they are
aware of their conditions by our interpreting their feelings. Encourage more
conversation with them. At the same and less interrupt when they are talking.
time, try not to avoid the patients when Avoid assuming about their situation.
speaking.
"HOW TO DEAL
Excited & Restless Patients WITH MENTALLY

The tone should be calm and mainly to ILL PERSON"
appease when communicating. Give
them chance to talk but don't pressing
them otherwise it will irritate the
patients. In addition, criticizing or
accusing patients is not advisable.

Suicide Tendencies Patients

Don't be sarcastic and making jokes
about their conditions. And dare to get
them know suicide is a selfish behavior.
It will leave their loved one with pain.
Often offering care and check the
safety of the surrounding environment
to prevent accidents.

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 12 IT IS DURING OUR
DARKEST

MOMENTS THAT
WE MUST FOCUS

TO SEE THE
LIGHT.

ARISTOTLE ONASSIS

If you need a pair of ears to listen to your
story, below are the hotlines that you can call

for help from the Ministry of Health(MOH),
Malaysia and MERCY volunteers.


03-2935 9935
014-322 3392
011-639 96482
011-639 94236

References

Breedvelt, J. (2019). Preventing mental health problems: What can we do? National Elf Service.
https://www.nationalelfservice.net/treatment/mental-illness-prevention/preventing-mental-health-
problems-what-can-we-do/

HelpGuide. (2022). Coping with financial stress. HelpGuide.org.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/coping-with-financial-

stress.htm#:~:text=Feeling%20beaten%20down%20by%20money,risk%20of%20depression%20an
d%20anxiety.

Institute for Public Health. (2020). National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019: Non-
communicable diseases, healthcare demand, and health literacy—Key Findings.
https://iku.gov.my/images/IKU/Document/REPORT/NHMS2019/Infographic_Booklet_NHMS_201
9-English.pdf

Mechanic, D., & McAlpine, D. D. (2018). The influence of social factors on Mental Health. Principles
and Practice of Geriatric Psychiatry, 95–98. https://doi.org/10.1002/0470846410.ch17

National Institutes of Health. (2015). Common genetic factors found in 5 mental disorders. National
Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/common-genetic-
factors-found-5-mental-
disorders#:~:text=Scientists%20have%20long%20recognized%20that,disorder%2C%20major%20de
pression%20and%20schizophrenia.

Plumptre, E. (2021). Why it’s time to care about your mental health. Verywell Mind. UNDERSTANDING MENTAL WELL-BEING | PAGE 13
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-mental-health-for-wellbeing-5207938

The Scientific World. (2020). How does your lifestyle affect your mental health?
https://www.scientificworldinfo.com/2020/07/how-does-lifestyle-affect-your-mental-

health.html#:~:text=Not%20getting%20enough%20physical%20activity,depression%2C%20anxiety
%2C%20and%20stress.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016). Schizophrenia. MedlinePlus.
https://medlineplus.gov/schizophrenia.html

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Mental disorders. MedlinePlus.
https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html

White Swan Foundation. (2015). Anxiety disorders. White Swan Foundation.
https://www.whiteswanfoundation.org/disorders/anxiety-and-related-disorders/anxiety

World Health Organization. (2004). Promoting mental health: Concepts, emerging evidence, practice:
Summary report. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/42940/9241591595.pdf

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Editors:
Jenny Ling Siaw Nie (75157)

Karen Hii Che Yu (75244)
Muhammad Syahmi Hanif bin Jismi (64972)

Nurfaizatul Nazira Binti Jamil (80758)
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