Mental Health, Stress and Social Well-being
This domain tests mental health as part of overall health, the difference between eustress and distress, coping skills, and respectful social behaviour.
Core concepts
- Mental health is a state of well-being in which a person can cope with normal stresses, work productively and contribute to the community. It is not merely the absence of mental illness.
- Stress is the body’s response to demand. Eustress is short-term and motivating; distress is prolonged or overwhelming and can harm health.
- Warning signs include lasting sadness, withdrawal, sleep changes, irritability, loss of interest and falling school performance.
- Coping skills: plan tasks, sleep adequately, exercise, use relaxation breathing, talk to a trusted adult, and avoid tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
- Social well-being includes healthy friendships, communication, empathy, cooperation, conflict resolution and respect for diversity.
Worked example
A student is anxious before an examination. Reasoning: the exam is a demand, and some anxiety is normal eustress. Useful actions are to divide revision into short blocks, sleep 8–10 hours, avoid last-minute cramming, use slow breathing before entering the hall, and speak to a teacher or counsellor if sleep and mood remain poor. Drinking an energy drink or staying awake all night increases distress and does not improve memory.
Traps that cost marks
- Stress is not always harmful; eustress can improve focus.
- Mental illness is not a sign of weakness or bad character.
- Do not advise someone with persistent low mood to simply ignore it.
- Confidentiality matters, but a risk of harm to self or others must be reported to a responsible adult.