Week 9: Recognizing Mental Health Presentations
Overview
This module develops the ability to recognise common mental health presentations through observable patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The focus is on understanding rather than diagnosing.
Recognition Framework
When observing individuals, consider:
- Duration of symptoms
- Intensity of experience
- Frequency of occurrence
- Impact on daily functioning
Depressive Symptoms
Core Features:
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Reduced energy
Indicators:
- Emotional: sadness, numbness, irritability
- Cognitive: negative thinking, low self-worth
- Behavioural: withdrawal, fatigue
Anxiety Patterns
Core Features:
- Excessive worry
- Fear of anticipated events
Indicators:
- Emotional: nervousness, overwhelm
- Cognitive: racing thoughts, catastrophising
- Behavioural: avoidance, reassurance seeking
- Physical: tension, increased heart rate
Grief and Loss
Core Features:
- Emotional response to loss
Indicators:
- Emotional: sadness, anger, guilt
- Cognitive: preoccupation with loss
- Behavioural: withdrawal, tearfulness
Differentiating Presentations
Grief vs Depression:
- Grief fluctuates and is tied to a specific loss
- Depression is persistent and affects overall functioning
Anxiety vs Depression:
- Anxiety = heightened arousal and worry
- Depression = low energy and withdrawal
Practical Resources:
