Mental Health
A person notices they are sleeping less, becoming more irritable, and withdrawing from others. What might these changes be telling them?
They may be early warning signs that their mental health is worsening.
A medication is prescribed twice a day. A person forgets their morning dose and remembers at lunchtime. What should they do?
Contact ACT nurse or ACT team rather than automatically doubling the dose.
Why can eating protein and fiber together help someone feel fuller for longer?
Both can increase feeling of being full and help slow digestion.
What is one reason caffeine consumed later in the day can interfere with sleep even if someone doesn't feel particularly energized from it?
Caffeine has a relatively long half life and can remain in the body for hours.
Which is generally more sustainable: making one huge lifestyle change overnight or making several small changes consistently?
Several small, sustainable changes.
True or False: Avoiding every stressful situation is generally the best way to reduce anxiety long-term.
False
Why is it important to tell Dr. Cuervo about over the counter medications and supplements?
They can interact with prescription medications or affect side effects.
True or False: Someone can be at a healthy weight and still have unhealthy habits that affect their health.
True or False: Sleeping longer on weekends can completely make up for consistently inadequate sleep during the week.
False
Why can having a daily routine be beneficial for mental health?
It provides structure, predictability, helps with functioning, and can support healthy habits.
Someone says, "I can't control what happens today, so there's no point in trying anything." What is one healthy coping strategy that could help challenge this thinking?
Focus on what they can control, break the problem into smaller steps, use positive self talk
A person stops taking their psychiatric medication because they start feeling better. Why can this sometimes be a problem?
Feeling better may mean the medication is working; stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal effects or symptoms may return.
Name 3 factors other than diet that can affect someone's weight or overall physical health.
Sleep, stress, medications, activity level, genetics, hormones, medical conditions
Someone is lying in bed worrying about everything they need to do tomorrow. Name one strategy that could help interrupt this cycle.
Writer down the worries/to do list, practice relaxation or mindfulness, get out of bed briefly and do something calming.
Someone keeps missing appointments because they forget them. Name 2 strategies they could use to improve follow through.
Phone reminders, calendar, written schedule, alarms, arranging transportation ahead of time, asking someone for help.
Name 3 areas of daily functioning that can change when someone's mental health is declining.
Sleep, hygiene, eating, relationships, work/school, medications, appointments, motivation, finances, etc.
Name 3 things a person should monitor when starting a new psychiatric medication?
Side effects, changes in symptoms/mood, sleep, appetite, energy, unusual physical symptoms, suicidal thoughts
Someone drinks several cans of pop a day and wants to make one small change. Why might replacing even one with water or healthier option be useful?
It can reduce added sugar and calorie intake without a major diet overhaul.
The body's "fight or flight" response is designed to protect us. What can happen when the stress response stays activated for too long?
Chronic stress can contribute to problems with sleep, mood, concentration, blood pressure, immune function, and overall health.
What is the difference between self care and simply doing something enjoyable?
Self care includes intentionally taking care of your physical, emotional, social, or mental needs; enjoyable activities can be part of it but aren't the whole definition.
A person recognizes that they are becoming more isolated but says, "I don't want to bother anyone." What is one reason reaching out for support can actually be an important part of maintaining mental wellness?
Social connection can reduce isolation, provide emotional support, help identify problems earlier and provide practical assistance.
What is tardive dyskinesia, and what is one reason it is important to report possible symptoms?
A movement disorder associated with some medications that involve involuntary movement. Early recognition allows a doctor to evaluate and manage it.
A person wants to become more physically active but says, "I don't have time for a 45 minute workout." What's a healthier way to approach the time limit barrier?
Start with shorter periods of actvity and build gradually.
Someone says, "I'm stressed, so I'm going to skip sleep tonight and get everything done". Why could this actually make the situation worse?
Sleep deprivation can worsen concentration, emotional regulation, decision making, stress and physical health.
A person says, "I know exercise, sleep and eating well are important, but when I'm depressed I can't motivate myself to do any of it." What is one principle that could help?
Don't wait for motivation, start with a very small, manageable action and build momentum.