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 a lot of 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 benefits 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.