Mental Health
101
101
A symptom of depression is a persistently _____ mood.
What is sad, depressed, or unhappy?
You start taking an new psychiatric medication and notice feeling more sleepy or drowsy than usual. What is this an example of?
What is a side effect?
A common technique to reduce stress.
What is deep breathing, exercising, journaling, engaging in hobbies, etc.
(Many acceptable answers!)
You're not feeling well, have a question about your health, or have an urgent health need. Who on your healthcare team can assess your symptoms, check vitals, administer medication, and help connect you with other healthcare providers?
Who is a Nurse?
FACT or MYTH: Everyone experiences stress sometimes.
What is FACT?
Not all stress is bad! Some stress can be motivating and is a natural reaction your body has to certain events. When stress becomes too much to handle, that might be an indication to start making some positive mental health changes.
A person with an anxiety disorder struggles with this feeling or symptom.
What is worry or fear?
(May accept restlessness, trouble concentrating, irritability, sleep disruptions, social isolation, panic attacks, heart palpitations, etc.)
If a medication is causing a side effect that bothers you, this is the person you should talk to instead of simply stopping the medication.
Who is your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider?
Talking to someone you trust when you're having a difficult time is an example of this coping skill.
What is seeking support?
You're having new or worsening symptoms and need help to figure out what is causing them. Who on your healthcare can make a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, and prescribe medications?
Who is a Physician?
May also accept doctor, NP, or PA.
FACT or MYTH: Asking for help with your mental health is a sign of weakness.
What is MYTH?
Fact: Everyone experiences difficult emotions at some point in their life. Asking for help is one way to take control of your health and address a problem before it gets worse.
This symptom of schizophrenia happens when a person hears or sees something that other people don't.
What is a hallucination?
This is the term for taking your medication as prescribed, including the correct dose and timing.
What is medication adherence?
(May also accept taking medication as directed or as scheduled)
Listening to music, drawing, exercising, or doing another activity you enjoy can be examples of these.
What are healthy distractions?
You have questions about a medication you're taking and want to know what it does and what side effects to watch for. Who on your healthcare team is specifically trained to answer these questions?
Who is a Pharmacist?
FACT or MYTH: If someone looks happy and is doing well, you can assume they don't have mental health problems.
What is MYTH?
Fact: Mental health struggles aren't always visible. Someone can appear to be doing well while still struggling internally.
Any condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, mood or mental wellbeing. These conditions can deeply impact day-to-day life.
What is mental illness?
When taking an antipsychotic medication, your healthcare team may periodically check your weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol due to this side effect.
What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic side effects include weight gain, and increased blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Metformin may be added for certain medications with high metabolic risks (e.g., clozapine, olanzapine).
This coping skill involves paying attention to what is happening right now instead of focusing on the past or worrying about the future.
What is mindfulness?
You're need help maintaining relationships with your family, finding programs or roles, learning healthy coping mechanisms, or adjusting to life in prison. Who on your healthcare team can help work through these challenges and connect you with support resources?
Who is a Social Worker?
FACT or MYTH: Therapy is only for people with severe mental health conditions.
What is MYTH?
Fact: Anyone can benefit from therapy to manage daily stress and build healthy coping skills!
This condition is associated with nightmares, unwanted/intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance, and feeling constantly on guard following a traumatic event.
What is PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
You have trouble remembering to take your mental health medication or don't like taking pills multiple times a day. What alternative type of medication could you ask your healthcare provider about?
What is a long-acting injectable (LAI) or injectable medication.
Some psychiatric medications are available as long-acting injections. Instead of taking a pill everyday, the medication is given as an injection every few weeks or months.
Replacing thoughts like “I can't do this” with more realistic thoughts like “This is difficult, but I can work through it” is an example of this coping skill.
What is positive self-talk?
You're struggling with anger, depression, anxiety, or something that happened in your past and want someone to talk to about it. Who on your healthcare team can provide mental health counseling?
Who is a Therapist or Counselor?
FACT or MYTH: It's important to take your psychiatric medication(s), even after you start feeling better.
What is FACT?
Fact: You should talk to your doctor before stopping any medications, including ones for mental health. Remember, your medications are working hard to HELP YOU FEEL BETTER!