True or False?
True or false: individuals with mental health diagnosis can never recover or have a career.
False: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work.
What is the age at which a young person’s brain stops developing? 16, 18, 21, or 25?
Research suggests that the human brain continues to develop until about the age of 25, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning.
Please list three Harmony Bay Group Rules.
Group members must leave their camera on for the duration of the group, with a neutral background.
Group members must be in a stationary location for all sessions in accordance with the HB Location and Privacy Agreement.
Group members must place their microphone on mute when others are speaking to avoid feedback sounds. To “raise your hand” to speak, unmute your mic to let the facilitator know you have something to say.
Group member privacy is of upmost importance, please ensure you are in a private location, without the presence of individuals not enrolled in the group.
Cell phone use is not permitted during group, unless it is used to display group related content.
If you need to step away from group to use the restroom, please let the facilitator know through a message in the chat box.
All communications in the chat box must be group related.
Confidentiality: What you say here; what you hear here; who you see here; let it stay here!
Consistent attendance to all groups is expected of all group members. Please arrive on time and stay for the duration of group.
Group sessions are a place to hold space for others, in a respectful and supportive way. Please avoid passing judgements on others, use of disrespectful or inappropriate language, and invalidating another’s personal experience.
Please limit communication out of group to maintain personal boundaries.
Kelly is presenting with the following: sad mood, irritability, changes in sleeping or eating habits, isolating herself from family and friends, and loss of energy. Kelly’s ability to function at work has also been in decline.
The diagnosis that best fits Kelly's symptoms is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
The symptoms Kelly is experiencing—sad mood, irritability, changes in sleeping or eating habits, social isolation, loss of energy, and decline in work functioning—are consistent with the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. This condition is characterized by a persistent low mood and other symptoms that affect daily functioning and overall quality of life. However, a mental health professional would need to conduct a full evaluation to make a definitive diagnosis.
Which of the following individuals in the spotlight has publicly spoken about attending treatment for depression and grief? a. Taylor Swift b. Prince Harry c. Angelina Jolie d. Kanye West
The correct answer is b. Prince Harry.
Prince Harry has publicly spoken about attending therapy to address his struggles with depression and grief, particularly related to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and the pressures he faced in his personal and professional life. He has been an advocate for mental health awareness and has worked to reduce stigma surrounding therapy.
True or false: mental illness is the result of bad parenting
False: Children can, and do, have mental health conditions. Research shows that one in five children between the ages of 13 and 18 have or will have a mental illness. In face 50% of all lifetime cases begin by the age 14. While environmental factors can affect a person’s mental health, biological factors can affect individuals just as actively. Mental health conditions are not simply a side effect of bad parenting, but a combination of influences.
What is the name of a self-help group for adults who are affected by someone else’s substance dependence? AA, Co-Dependence Club, AL-ANON, Recovery Haven
The answer is Al-Anon.
Al-Anon is a self-help group for individuals who are affected by someone else's substance dependence, offering support for family members and friends of people struggling with alcohol addiction. There is also Alateen, which is a similar support group specifically for teenagers affected by a loved one's substance abuse.
Please list three effective coping skills and a situation where you would use each coping skill.
Therapist's discretion.
Jeremy is presenting with avoidance behaviors, restlessness, excessive worry, increased heart rate and somatic symptoms (bodily pains, stomachache, headache). Jeremy has also reported thoughts that seem to be racing around in his mind.
The diagnosis that best fits Jeremy's symptoms is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Jeremy's symptoms—avoidance behaviors, restlessness, excessive worry, increased heart rate, somatic symptoms (bodily pains, stomachache, headache), and racing thoughts—are characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. GAD is marked by persistent, excessive worry about a variety of topics, often accompanied by physical symptoms like tension and fatigue. A mental health professional would need to conduct a full evaluation to confirm this diagnosis.
Which of the following celebrities has reported seeking treatment for post-partum depression and anxiety in 2017? a. Mila Kunis, b. Jessica Simpson, c. Chrissy Teigen, d. Jennifer Garner
The correct answer is c. Chrissy Teigen.
Chrissy Teigen publicly shared her experience with postpartum depression and anxiety in 2017. She openly discussed her struggles with these conditions after the birth of her daughter, Luna, and sought professional treatment. Her openness about her mental health has helped raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding postpartum depression.
True or False: Mental health conditions affect all age groups equally, with no differences in prevalence based on age.
False. Mental health conditions do not affect all age groups equally. For example, younger people may be more likely to experience anxiety and depression, while older adults may face conditions like dementia or depression linked to aging. The types and rates of mental health conditions can vary significantly across different age groups.
According to research, what percentage of teens who begin smoking marijuana daily before the age of 18 are at risk of developing an addiction? None, 5%, 17%, or 33%?
Studies show that about 33% of teens who use marijuana daily before 18 may develop a substance use disorder, making them more vulnerable to addiction.
Please describe to the group what mindfulness is and how you would use this skill effectively.
Therapist's discretion if satisfactory.
Gabrielle is presenting with a short attention span, distractibility, impulsivity, and low self-esteem. Gabrielle also has poor listening skills and is failing to complete her tasks at work.
The diagnosis that best fits Gabrielle's symptoms is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), particularly the Inattentive Type.
Gabrielle’s symptoms—short attention span, distractibility, impulsivity, low self-esteem, poor listening skills, and difficulty completing tasks—are characteristic of ADHD, which affects an individual’s ability to focus, organize, and complete tasks. ADHD can lead to challenges in work and personal life, especially if the symptoms are not managed. While there are other potential diagnoses, ADHD is a strong candidate based on the symptoms described. A mental health professional would need to conduct a thorough assessment to confirm this diagnosis.
Please describe what a crisis plan is and what its main functions are.
A crisis plan is a structured approach or written guide created to help individuals manage intense emotional distress, mental health crises, or emergency situations. It outlines steps to follow during a crisis to ensure safety, access support, and maintain well-being. The plan is often developed in advance, allowing the individual to be better prepared when they experience a mental health emergency.
Main functions of a crisis plan:
Identify warning signs: The plan helps the person recognize early indicators that they may be heading into a crisis, such as changes in mood, behavior, or physical symptoms. This allows for early intervention.
Coping strategies: It includes specific coping techniques or tools that the individual can use to manage symptoms or distress during a crisis. These may include deep breathing, grounding exercises, or mindfulness practices.
Emergency contacts: A crisis plan lists key people (family, friends, therapists, or helplines) that the person can reach out to for support during a crisis. It can also include contact information for mental health professionals or emergency services.
Action steps: It specifies clear, actionable steps to follow if a crisis becomes severe, such as seeking immediate professional help, going to a hospital, or calling a crisis hotline.
True or false: high doses of marijuana can cause psychosis.
True: High doses of marijuana can cause psychosis or panic when you’re high. Some people experience an acute psychotic reaction (disturbed perceptions and thoughts, paranoia) or panic attacks while under the influence of marijuana. This usually goes away as the drug’s effects wear off. Scientist do not yet know if marijuana can cause lasting mental illness, although it can worsen psychotic symptoms in people who already have the mental illness schizophrenia, and it can increase the risk of long-lasting psychosis in some people.
After marijuana and alcohol what is the most commonly abused drug? Heroin, prescription drugs, cocaine, or ecstasy?
The answer is prescription drugs.
After marijuana and alcohol, prescription drugs—particularly opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines—are among the most commonly abused substances. Prescription drug misuse has become a significant issue, especially with opioids contributing to the opioid crisis in many countries.
What coping skill involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce stress and promote relaxation?
Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique where individuals tense and then slowly release different muscle groups to help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting overall relaxation.
Alex is presenting with a negative or hostile mood, he has been argumentative, refuses to follow any rules, increased irritability, and difficulty with those in authority positions.
The diagnosis that best fits Alex's symptoms is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
Alex's symptoms—negative or hostile mood, argumentative behavior, refusal to follow rules, increased irritability, and difficulty with authority figures—are characteristic of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. ODD is typically diagnosed in children and adolescents and is marked by patterns of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior towards authority figures. A mental health professional would need to conduct a full assessment to confirm this diagnosis.
Provide two examples of how your poor physical wellness can impact your mental health.
Therapist's discretion. Some ideas:
Lack of Sleep:
Poor sleep hygiene or inadequate rest can significantly impact mental health. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, and increased anxiety or depression. Sleep is crucial for emotional regulation, and without enough restorative sleep, it becomes harder to manage stress and maintain a positive mood.
Poor Diet and Nutrition:
A diet lacking essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, can negatively affect brain function and mood regulation. Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which may increase the risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. A poor diet can also reduce the brain's ability to cope with stress effectively.
True or false: talking about mental health based issues such as suicide and substance use increases the likelihood struggle with these mental health issues.
False: Talking about mental health issues like the above mentioned provides further education and preventative education. It leads individuals to understanding mental illness and can lead them to services they may need to be treated effectively.
Alcohol falls into what category? Depressant, stimulant, hallucinogen, or hypnotic?
The answer is depressant.
Alcohol is classified as a depressant because it slows down the central nervous system, which can lead to feelings of relaxation and lowered inhibitions. While it might initially feel stimulating due to its effects on mood and behavior, its primary action is to depress brain activity.
What does the acronym TIPP stand for in the context of distress tolerance skills?
What is Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation?
TIPP is a set of distress tolerance skills used to help manage intense emotions by using techniques like changing body temperature, physical exercise, controlled breathing, and muscle relaxation.
Samantha is a 28-year-old woman who experiences intense mood swings. She often feels very close to people, but these relationships can quickly turn tumultuous, with her feeling abandoned or rejected at the slightest sign of distance. She has a history of impulsive behaviors, such as spending sprees and unsafe driving. Samantha struggles with self-image, often feeling empty or unsure of who she is.
The diagnosis that best fits Samantha's symptoms is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
BPD is characterized by intense mood swings, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, impulsive behaviors, poor self-image, and difficulty managing emotions. Self-harming behaviors and challenges with identity are also common features of BPD. A mental health professional would need to conduct a thorough assessment to confirm this diagnosis.
Which of the following pair of celebrities suffers from PTSD? a. Whoopi Goldberg and Lady Gaga, b. Kanye West and George Clooney, c. Demi Lovato and Derek Jeter, d. Kylie Jenner and Justin Bieber
The correct answer is a. Whoopi Goldberg and Lady Gaga.
Both Whoopi Goldberg and Lady Gaga have openly shared their experiences with PTSD. Whoopi Goldberg has discussed her struggles with PTSD related to childhood trauma, while Lady Gaga has been vocal about her PTSD resulting from a sexual assault she experienced when she was 19 years old.