Psychopathology in the Workplace Essay Example

Psychopathology in the Workplace Essay PSYCHOPATHOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE Name: Course: Date: We will write a custom essay sample on Psychopathology in the Workplace specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Psychopathology in the Workplace specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Psychopathology in the Workplace specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Psychopathology in the Workplace Psychopathology refers to the branch of medicine, which deals with the origin, development and ultimate manifestations of mental and behavioral disorders. It can also mean the behavioral tendencies or reflections of any mental disorder or simply symptoms of psychological impairment. This area of study is often conducted by professionals such as psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, whose constant research aims at looking for the best curative solutions for these symptoms. From these explanations, it is easy to see how treatment of these symptoms is of primary importance to anyone that experiences them. Their manifestation among office workers is of particular concern due to the resultant effects that they can cause (Larsen et al 2010, p. 2). The readings in this book are critical in helping to contain any mental disorders that may arise at the workplace. As managers, it is necessary to always be on the lookout for any such symptoms and rush to contain them before they affect the productivity of employees. Mental disorders can be dealt with in several different ways. As mentioned earlier, psychopathology aims at establishing the origin of mental disorders and through these findings seek the best method of treatment. At the workplace, numerous factors can lead to poor mental health, especially because of the stressful environments that workplaces can sometimes provide. Though most of these are centered on internal workplace mechanisms, some of them can actually be externally instigated. Some of the manifestations of mental impairment as witnessed in the work setting include anxiety and stress. With regard to psychiatry, anxiety can be described as a state of unease, apprehension, uncertainty and fear of future events or situations. These feelings cause the impairment of an individual’s physical and psychological functioning. Stress is pressure exerted on one’s body because of events or situations that make them feel frustrated, nervous and sometimes angry. These symptoms are often triggered by various events taking place at the workplace. Many people in organizations experience stress and anxiety whenever they need to change or adapt to new situations and responsibilities, such as undertaking a different task from the one they were used to in a short period. As a person involved in management, it is necessary to evaluate one’s employees for any signs of mental disorders. This is not only done by mere observation but by engaging the services of c linical psychiatrists, just as the authors of the book recommend. Depression is another manifestation of poor mental disposition. It is whereby a person feels moody and has lost interest in most if not all activities. Burnout on the other hand has been attributed to stress at the workplace (Kahn et al 2003, 85-97). Depression can be due to burnout, which is generally a state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion mostly because of doubts about one’s competence at work and the value of their work. Such people become increasingly disoriented about their work and eventually lose interest and perform poorly. In order to prevent this from happening, the organization needs to be actively involved in the welfare of their employees. Psychopathology is a necessary procedure at the workplace as a measure of implementing mental health policies and helping their workers. Psychosis is one of the more severe symptoms of mental illness. This is because it completely distorts one from reality and can be caused by psychosocial factors at the workplace. Psychosis can lead to abnormal behaviors among employees such as hallucination and bizarre beliefs. Work related stress and disruptions that cause change in a person’s life such as a transfer from one area of work to another contribute heavily to the mental state of employees. Lack of attention to these problems is what eventually leads to mental issues at an advanced stage like psychosis. Mental health policies are standards set in place, which define the issues surrounding mental health including measures to manage them. They are pre-formulated schemes with details and plans containing strategies to be implemented to tackle mental disorders. These policies transcend into the workplace where they strive to achieve the same purpose with that aimed at the general population. Management, as I have learnt is very essential in helping to implement these policies to maintain good mental health among their employees. Such policies are incorporated into those of administration and work hand in hand with other welfare policies to achieve and maintain a positive work environment for employees. This is not to say that psychopathology only targets employees. Its scope includes managers who exhibit symptoms of mental disorders. In conclusion, the readings provide the way forward in dealing with mental health issues at the workplace and acknowledge the importance of mental health policies. Psychopathology is equally important as it helps in containing mental problems before they get to an aggravated point. The workplace has its challenges, which may lead to stress and ultimately result in poor mental health. Being in a managerial position makes one liable for employee welfare and thus measures such as psychopathology should be undertaken to ensure promotion of mental health among employees. Additionally, it is of essence that managers and others in administrative offices should take part in creating an environment at the workplace that would not pose any threat to the mental health of workers at the organization (Schmidt 2010, 299).

Icebreaker Games for the First Day of Drama Class

Icebreaker Games for the First Day of Drama Class At the beginning of every semester, a drama teacher has a difficult challenge. How does one get twenty-three complete strangers to quickly become friends and colleagues? Circle icebreakers help students and teachers learn names, project voices, and express themselves. Each one of these activities provides an entertaining experience. The games may be simple enough for elementary students, but teens will have just as much fun, if not more! There are many variations of these activities, but the first and foremost step is to form a circle so that all of the participants can clearly see one another. Name Game This is an ideal first-day activity. Each person announces her name while stepping forward and striking a pose that reflects her personality. For example, Emily might hop out, angle her arms like an Egyptian hieroglyphic and joyously shout, â€Å"Emily!† Then, everyone else jumps forward and copies Emily’s voice and movement. Afterward, the circle returns to normal, and then it’s on to the next person. It’s a great way for everyone to introduce themselves. World's Greatest Sandwich In this fun memory game, the players sit in a circle. One person begins by saying his/her name and then states what ingredient goes on the sandwich. Example: My name is Kevin, and the worlds greatest sandwich has pickles. The next person in the circle announces their name and says Kevins ingredient as well as her own. Hi, my name is Sarah, and the worlds greatest sandwich has pickles and popcorn. If the instructor chooses, everyone can chant along as the sandwich grows. The last time I played this game, we ended up with a Pickle-popcorn-meatball-chocolate-syrup-grass-eyeball-lettuce-pixie dust sandwich. This activity helps the students build memorization skills. And finally, have the kids pantomime taking a bite. Whoozit For this game, one person is chosen to be the â€Å"Seeker.† After that person leaves the room, another person is chosen to be the â€Å"Whoozit.† This player makes constant rhythmic motions that change every twenty seconds or so. For example, first, the Whoozit might clap his hands, then snap fingers, then pat his head. The other circle members discretely follow along. The Seeker then enters, hoping to figure out which student is the Whoozit. Standing in the middle of the circle, she gets three guesses while the Whoozit tries his best to constantly switch actions without being noticed. [Note: this is essentially the same game as Indian Chief, though the name is more politically correct!] Rhyme Time In this fast-paced game, the instructor stands in the center of the circle. She names a setting and a situation. Then, she points to one of the players at random. Using improvisation skills, the player begins telling a story with a single sentence. For example, he might say, â€Å"I just found out I have a long: â€Å"I guess Mom tossed a coin and my Bro didn’t win.† The rhymes are couplets, so the next chosen player creates a new line of the story with a new sound. The improvised tale goes on until a student fails to produce a rhyme. Then he sits in the middle of the circle. This goes on until the circle shrinks down to one or two champions. Instructors should make certain to increase the speed as the game progresses. Players may want to prohibit tricky words like orange, purple and month.