Brain Games
What is the name we can give the part of our brain that predicts the worst will happen?
Worry brain or anxious brain or something else!
Why might two people have very different reactions to getting a needle, even if they are having the same procedure?
One person has negative thoughts that are hard to manage, whereas the other person has negative thoughts that they can manage
What is an exposure?
Facing your fear gradually.
You feel nervous when you see a picture of a needle and want to look away. What is one brave thing you could do instead?
-Try looking at the picture for a little longer while noticing your feelings, rather than immediately looking away
-anything else that is helpful would be a correct answer!
What is the name of the Italian dish made with layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese?
Lasagna.
True or false: Feeling scared means something bad is definitely going to happen.
False
True or false: If you feel very anxious before a needle procedure, it means the procedure will be more painful.
False
What is one helpful thing you could tell yourself when you are getting a shot?
As long as is is a helpful response, you answered this correctly?
What is the largest animal in the world?
Blue whale
What is the closest star to Earth?
The Sun.
Your worry brain says, “I'm going to freak out if I get a shot.” Is that a fact or a prediction?
Prediction
What is the difference between something that could happen during a needle procedure and something that is likely to happen?
Something could happen if it is possible; something likely to happen is more probable. Possibility alone does not establish likelihood.
If you feel nervous during an exposure, does that automatically mean you have to stop?
No!! You can practice sitting with the uncomfortable feelings.
Two people complete the same needle exposure. One feels less anxious afterward, while the other is still very anxious. Can both people have a successful exposure? Explain why.
Yes! Success is not measured only by how much anxiety decreases
What is the main ingredient in guacamole?
Avocado.
Name one question you can ask yourself when your brain predicts something terrible.
Why might avoiding every situation involving needles make the fear harder to manage over time?
-Avoidance can provide short-term relief
-preventing someone from learning that they can manage fear on their own
-the situation may be more manageable than expected
Why might someone practice looking at pictures of needles before working toward a real medical procedure?
It can help you to become more familiar/comfortable with what you fear (the needle).
What planet is known as the Red Planet?
Mars
366.
Your worry brain says, “I can't handle being nervous.” Give it a more helpful response.
As long as you came up with a helpful response, you answered this correctly!
Someone says, “I felt scared during my last shot, so I know the next one will be terrible.” What is the flaw in their reasoning, and what is a more balanced way to think about it?
-One past experience does not guarantee the next experience will be the same
-balanced answer will vary!
Someone is afraid of needles and watches a video of a blood draw but keeps pausing it whenever they feel anxious. What might they be missing out on learning from the exposure?
Repeatedly pausing or escaping as soon as anxiety appears may prevent the person from learning that they can remain with the experience and tolerate discomfort.
Someone practices looking at needle pictures but only allows themselves to do it when they feel completely calm. How might this rule interfere with their progress?
It convinces your brain that your anxiety has to disappear before you can face a fear!
What do you call a word that means the opposite of another word?
Antonym.