304 Chapter 12 Health and Fitness
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Mentally healthy people are able to deal with change. When they
have diffi culties, they are able to analyze the causes of the problems.
They fi nd solutions and put them into action. Once they solve problems,
they can look back on the problems as learning experiences. This
approach allows them to avoid similar problems in the future.
Maintaining a healthy mental state is an important aspect of self-care.
Mentally healthy people know how to relieve frustration. They try not to
think self-defeating thoughts. They are able to peaceably resolve confl icts
with others to avoid negative feelings.
Using Defense Mechanisms
Sometimes situations occur that can challenge your healthy mental
outlook. Wanting to guard yourself against pain, stress, and frustration
in these situations is only natural. Using defense mechanisms is one
way you care for your mental health. Defense mechanisms are behavior
patterns people use to protect their self-esteem. See 12-2.
Defense mechanisms can be positive or negative solutions to problems.
It depends entirely on how they are used. When people are aware they
are using defense mechanisms, they are in control of their actions. They
are using the defense mechanisms in an attempt to maintain a healthy
mental state. However, some people fail to realize they are relying on
defense mechanisms. In these cases, defense mechanisms can cause people
to lose touch with reality.
Stress and Your Health
Stress is your body’s reaction to the events of your life. When
something bad happens, such as forgetting your homework or losing
your job, you feel stress. You also feel stress when good things happen,
like winning a race or meeting someone special. In either case, your
body responds. Your heart beats faster. Your face fl ushes. You perspire
more. Perhaps your stomach tightens.
Change is frequently a cause of stress. Graduating from high school,
taking a new job, getting married, and moving into a new apartment are
all major changes. Doing all these at the same time would be likely to
cause you stress.
You need stress in your life to add excitement, but too much can
affect your physical and mental well-being. Excessive amounts that are
not managed can result in physical and emotional problems. Someone
under stress may experience headaches, stomachaches, high blood
pressure, or changes in sleep patterns. Emotional signs of stress include
tension, anger, and an inability to concentrate.
Serving Your
Community
Read an article on the health
benefi ts of volunteering. Then,
as a class, participate in a
volunteer activity in your
community. Possible activities
include volunteering at a
soup kitchen or recycling
center or visiting residents
of a nursing home.