2.2 Explain Your Understanding Of Mental Health

1. Give a definition of stress (refer to your Health Book or use research on the internet to give a full definition).

In 1936, Hans Selye invented the term ‘stress’ and defined it as ‘the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change.’ Stress is a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our usual physical, mental or emotional state. Stressful events are an inevitable aspect of life and they initiate the ‘fight or flight’ response, which produces hormones and physical reactions as preparation for violence.
Furthermore, stress can be external (environmental, psychological, social) or internal (from illnesses, diseases, medical procedures). It may cause tension, pressure or strain as a result of adverse or demanding circumstances. Positive stress, known as ‘acute stress’, is exciting, motivational and improves our performance. However, prolonged or ‘chronic stress’ have detrimental effects on our health and is perceived as beyond our coping abilities. Nevertheless, it may cause feelings of despair or concern, self-doubt, low self-esteem, decrease performance and lead to numerous health issues.
2.
Explain your understanding of Mental Health. Watch the Intro Video “What is Mental Health” from the Beyond Blue Website at http://www.mindmatters.edu.au/explore-modules/what-is-mental-health-#title-block-b7fc2564-db9a-6d2b-9fad-ff0000a141dd and then visit http://headspace.org.au/get-info/what-is-mental-health/ to help with your answer.
According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his