Summary of Live CIEE Rio - Aprendizagem, Saúde Mental e Inteligência Emocional

Mental Health Concepts & Importance

• Mental Health is defined by WHO as well-being where individuals develop personal and social skills, manage life stresses, work productively, and contribute to society.
• Good Mental Health means being well with oneself, recognizing and accepting life’s demands, managing both pleasant and unpleasant emotions, and recognizing personal limits.
• Mental Health issues often stem from unresolved childhood emotional challenges and can affect social relationships and societal participation.
• Mental Health care is as important as physical health care.

Common Mental Health Disorders Discussed

• Anxiety (including Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
• Depression (distinct from sadness; involves chemical imbalances affecting motivation and pleasure)
• Panic syndrome
• Phobias (e.g., social phobia)
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Burnout syndrome (stress-related, not limited to work environments)
• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity

Dealing with Anxiety Attacks

Do’s:

• Stay calm and be present with the person.
• Offer reassurance: "You are not alone."
• Encourage diaphragmatic breathing (slow, deep breaths).
• Use grounding techniques like holding ice, chewing gum, or sipping cold water.
• Ask the person what helps them calm down.

Don’ts:

• Avoid telling the person to "just calm down" as it may worsen the situation.
• Don’t overwhelm with unsolicited help.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) Insights

• EI is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and those of others.
• Key components include:
  • Emotional self-awareness
  • Self-regulation (managing emotions like anger, fear, sadness)
  • Empathy (seeing through others’ eyes, not just putting oneself in their shoes)
  • Positive thinking and re-signification of emotions
• Emotions are contagious; high EI helps avoid being overwhelmed by others’ negative emotions.
• Accepting and expressing emotions healthily prevents them from dominating behavior.
• Emotional Intelligence is crucial for conflict resolution, self-development, and workplace success.

Breaking Mental Health Stigma

• Therapy is for everyone, not just those with diagnosed disorders.
• Seeking psychological help is a sign of strength and self-care.
• Mental Health challenges are common and manageable with proper support.
• Men expressing emotions, including crying, is natural and healthy.
• Avoid trivializing Mental Health issues or labeling therapy as “only for crazy people.”

Substance Use and Mental Health

• Excessive alcohol and drug use can cause or worsen mental disorders.
• Some individuals use substances to self-regulate underlying Mental Health issues, which can lead to dependency.
• Substances like marijuana may initially calm but can exacerbate anxiety or other symptoms later.
• Awareness of substance impact on Mental Health is important for prevention and recovery.

Recognizing Mental Health Warning Signs

• Physical symptoms: palpitations, sweating, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep.
• Behavioral changes: social withdrawal, irritability, perfectionism, avoidance behaviors.
• Emotional signs: persistent sadness, excessive fear, anger outbursts, low self-esteem.
• Online and in-person cues can indicate someone may need support.

Therapy and Support Resources

• Therapy helps with self-knowledge, managing emotions, improving relationships, and overcoming procrastination.
• Free or low-cost Mental Health services are available through CAPS (Psychosocial Care Centers) and university clinics.
• Early identification and treatment improve outcomes.
• Psychologists and psychiatrists often work together for comprehensive care.

Self-Care and Productivity Tips

• Recognize and respect personal limits to avoid burnout.
• Practice self-compassion and avoid harsh self-criticism.
• List personal achievements and skills to boost self-esteem.
• Use emotional regulation strategies like deep breathing, taking breaks, or talking to trusted people.
• Celebrate emotional growth and small victories.
• Understand that emotions fluctuate; it is normal to feel sad or angry sometimes.
• Develop empathy to improve interpersonal relationships and reduce judgment.