Wellness
Tool Box
Tool Box
Where could you go to increase exposure to sunlight and/or nature?
Pt: "There is a nearby trail that is relaxing. I always think about going but then I don't."
RN: "Maybe put it on your calendar for once a week to go for a hike there. If you don't have a calendar, I can print one out for you and together we can make a schedule for you. Also, you could go to the park alone or feel free to invite a friend. I'm sure they would like that."
Pt: "I know a couple of people I could try and ask. I don't have a calendar but having one might help because, with my racing thoughts, I can't keep things straight."
RN: "Ok, great! After our talk, I'll print one for you and we can work on it together before you leave."
Why is it important to accept responsibility for your actions?
Pt: "So you won't be alone (laughs). No, so you can know how you're treating people. So you can learn how to change your behavior and behave appropriately."
RN: "Yes, accepting responsibility is important because it allows us to grow from our actions and behaviors."
What is an example of manipulative behavior?
Pt: "Using threats to get what I want."
RN: "Is this an appropriate behavior and why?"
Pt: "No, because people end up getting hurt."
What is something you like about yourself?
Pt: "That I am able to achieve freedom in creativity."
RN: "Excellent!"
What does a healthy relationship look like?
Pt: "I guess when both people respect each other and understand each other for who they are."
RN: "Do healthy relationships go both ways?"
Pt: "I think you have to find the right people to surround yourself with, but yes it does go both ways."
RN: "It sure does. What you want in a relationship might look different from what other's expectations or needs are. It is about staying open, honest, and being reliable."
What type of exercise interests you that you could adopt for your weekly routine?
Pt: "I like to go for a walk to clear my head, and when I'm angry I like to hit the ground with a baseball bat."
RN: "A walk sounds very nice! What if you found a local batting cage and hit a couple of buckets of balls from time to time?"
Pt: "Ah yeah! That sounds like fun!"
RN: "You might meet some cool people there too!"
What happens when you don't accept responsibility for your actions?
Pt: "It depends what environment you're in I guess. I have a good support system that calls me out when I do things I shouldn't, but people get hurt and frustrated when I try to blame my behaviors on other things or people."
RN: "Yes, hurt can be a negative byproduct. It sounds like your support system helps you stay grounded though."
Pt: "Yes they do."
What would be a reason for using manipulative behavior?
Pt: "Manipulative behavior usually comes when I am in a manic state. My thoughts are racing so fast that I can't think of the consequences of my actions until it's too late."
RN: "You have stated that some of the exercise and self-care habits help in slowing these racing thoughts down. Do you think you could maintain a daily schedule with these habits?"
Pt: "Yeah I think I could try."
What are some ways you feel you can increase your self-worth?
Pt: "I want to have a girlfriend."
RN: "Companionship is great! What are some ways within yourself you can increase self-worth?"
Pt: "Do things I love like play music or practice gratitude."
RN: "Yes all of those are great! Also, practicing turning negative self-talk into positive affirmations."
Is being one someone can count on important to you and why?
Pt: "Yeah, it makes me feel good to be there for someone else. Secondly, you have to give to get. You have to be a mirror for someone else and the mirror must be clean."
RN: "It does feel good to show up for others and when that strong bond is there you have an even greater support system."
What are some ways you like to express your creativity?
Pt: "I like to write songs and record music."
RN: "That's awesome! That is an amazing outlet for expressing emotions and creativity. Do you find it helps in identifying your emotions?"
Pt: "I do! Music is my whole being. I don't know what I would do without it. When I play music, time stops, the racing thoughts slow down, and I am my truest self."
RN: "That is beautiful. Remember, anytime you are feeling down or alone, music is always there for you. Grab your instrument."
What challenges do you face in accepting responsibility for your actions?
Pt: "It depends on my state of mind. Sometimes I feel more logical and can understand where people are coming from, and sometimes I am in a state of delusion where it feels like everyone is plotting against me."
RN: "That sounds like it can be tough to navigate."
Pt: "Yeah it is!"
RN: "Does this feel like it's in your control?"
Pt: "Sometimes yes, sometimes no."
RN: "Is there anything that you do that lets you feel in more control over this?"
Pt: "Yeah when I meditate and exercise regularly I feel more grounded."
RN: "Ok, perfect."
What is an example of a consequence of using manipulative behavior?
Pt: "People don't trust me."
RN: "How does that make you feel?"
Pt: "It makes me severely depressed."
RN: "So do you think you should try and refrain using this kind of behavior as much as possible?"
Pt: "Yes, absolutely."
What is something someone has said about you that made you feel good about yourself?
Pt: "When people compliment my music I feel the best. My music is a representation of my soul and when they like my music, it's like they like me."
RN: "That's very sweet. Yes, it sounds like your music is very important to you and to who you are. It sounds like it feels good to get that validation."
Pt: "It really does."
How do you think communication plays a role in maintaining a healthy relationship?
Pt: "To make sure that whoever is involved is happy."
RN: "How does it feel when you are not heard?"
Pt: "It makes me feel like my life is meaningless. Feeling silenced is a trigger for me."
RN: "Yes, it does not feel good to not be seen or to feel silenced. So you'd say it is important for others to not feel this way as well?"
Pt: "Yeah, definitely."
Who would you identify being part of your support system?
Pt: "My sister, my mom, and my friend Dylan."
RN: "How do you feel they support you?"
Pt: "When I need something, I call them and they help me."
RN: "That sounds like a nice group you have to support you."
Have you ever learned something about yourself through accepting responsibility for your actions?
Pt: "I learned how to recognize triggers and learned how to slow my thoughts down when something doesn't go my way."
RN: "That's wonderful!"
Have you ever learned something about yourself through the consequences of manipulative behavior?
Pt: "Yes, I don't want to act that way. I've learned to be conscious of other's wants and desires when I'm in that state."
RN: "That's great awareness."
What are some causes of feeling unworthy or not good enough?
Pt: "Not feeling understood or having expectations for something and it doesn't pan out and then I take it personally."
RN: "Is there a different way to look at the situation where it would not be seen as a personal attack?"
Pt: "No. It always feels personal."
Do you feel it is important to maintain your illness to maintain healthy long-term relationships and why?
Pt: "Yes because if I don't people leave me."
RN: "Relationships go both ways, so it is not only your responsibility to maintain these healthy long-term relationships, but it is also your responsibility would you say that is correct?"
Pt: "Yes."
What are some things you do for self-care? What does your "me time" look like?
Pt: "I like to practice transcendental meditation. I learned the technique a couple of years ago, but I fell out of my practice when I got overwhelmed and depressed, but then when I don't do it I feel worse. I also used to write ten things I was grateful for every morning. That really helped me back in the day."
RN: "Those are both really positive examples of self-care. Maybe we can add them onto your daily calendar and get you back on track with your practice."
What is a good thing that has come from accepting the responsibility for your actions?
Pt: "Not losing someone."
RN: "Being responsible for your actions helps maintain trust in relationships. People respect others when they act this way."
Where do you think these behaviors come from?
Pt: "I think I have continued my same behavior as if I were still a child."
RN: "Do you feel ready to evolve some of your behaviors?"
Pt: "Yes, I want to grow and be better."
When do you feel your best?
Pt: "When I get to do what I love and when I feel respected."
RN: "Are you referring to playing music as what you love?"
Pt: "Yes."
Do you feel like the relationships in your life currently are healthy?
Pt: "Yeah I do but I know I need to keep up the work I have learned during this inpatient experience to help maintain them long-term."
RN: "Sounds like you've learned a lot! Do you feel ready to put all of the things you've learned to practice?"
Pt: "Definitely."