Factors Influencing Mental Illness and Defense Mechanism

1. Reflect on the Factors  influencing mental illness that may apply to you and discuss your ways of coping. (20
points)

 Childhood years – starting schools, changing schools and the move to high school

Entering school is a transitional period for both parents and the children.

Away from home and without my parents, I am concerned about being in a completely new environment
with a different set of peers. 

Learn to socialize with others in order to adapt to the environment. Put aside my fears and try things which
are new for me to be able to get out of my comfort site.

 Teenage years
o Transition from primary school to high school is another big step, with a new environment and a new set of expectations.
o In your teenage years you experience a range of emotions. Events such as new relationships, studying for exams, starting a new job
and figuring out your friendship group can be challenging.
o During this time, following puberty, the brain is also going through a critical time of development which affects emotions, decision
making, controlling impulses, anticipating consequences of behaviour and the ability to take-in information and understand it, then
set goals and plan.32 
o If these issues are affecting you, for more information visit beyondblue and headspace or check out these tips and tools.
 Adults (18 to 65 years)
o Moving into the adult world can bring its own set of stresses, deciding what you want to do when leaving school, whether to do
tertiary study, and what to study or searching for a job.
o Negotiating the adult world with new freedoms and responsibilities can be challenging.
o Developing relationships, starting a family, getting married and long hours of work all bring stresses that can impact on your
mental health.
o For information visit beyondblue. For help on relationships visit Relationships Australia WA or check out tips and tools on how to
cope with everyday life. For assistance with mental health issues find out how your GP can help or go to the support services page.

2. Identify the defense mechanisms you used. Share your experiences and site examples to better
understand and familiarize your self with this topic. (20 points)