Real or Myth?
Once you have a mental health diagnosis, the diagnosis will apply to you forever.
Myth. You can stop meeting criteria for a diagnosis at any point, which then can cause the diagnosis to be amended or removed by a mental health professional.
All mental health medications work equally well for just about everyone. T/F
Some mental health medications will be more effective for you than others, and one that works well for you may not be helpful for a friend or family member. It’s often a process of trial and error to find the most effective medication for your unique needs.
When is the best time to use a coping skill, before or after you have began to escalate?
Before. The goal should be to stop yourself before you escalate too far in your negative emotion.
Explain why anger is a secondary emotion.
Studies have identified anger as being a secondary emotion. A secondary emotion is an emotion fueled by other emotions. For example, if you become hurt in some way, you might express this negative emotion instead of emotional and physical pain – it might be easier to express anger than express hurt.
True or False: Humans are the only animals that blush.
Drugs cannot create mental health issues.
Myth. Drugs and/or other substances can create prolonged bouts of psychosis, paranoia, or other negative symptoms.
Mental health medications do not cure mental illnesses. T/F
TRUE. It’s regrettable but our science is not at the point where we can permanently “cure” mental illnesses. So don’t expect any medication to magically erase your mental health issues once and for all. However, medications can be tremendously helpful in reducing or managing distressing symptoms related to a mental health condition.
Name two of your own coping skills.
HOLLA
Name three things you should ask a pharmacist or doctor when getting prescribed medication for a mental illness.
1) What are the side effects? 2) Why am I taking this? 3) Are there any alternatives to taking this medication? 3) What are the expected results? 4) Will this medication interact with any other medications, foods, drugs, or alcohol? 5) How long will I be taking this? 6) Will it make my birth control less effective? 7) What should I do if I miss a dose? 8) How often should I take it? 9) What time of the day should I take it?
What is the leading cause of disability worldwide?
Depression.
Mental health issues always stem from parents or childhood trauma.
Myth. Some mental health issues, like bipolar disorder, are organic in nature.
Non-mental health prescription medications, over-the-counter medicine, recreational substances and alcohol can interact with mental health medications. T/F
TRUE. All of these types of medications or other substances can interact with your mental health medications, sometimes in a harmful or even life-threatening manner. This is why it’s very important to tell your prescriber about any use of other medications or substances to make sure you don’t inadvertently get into difficulties or put your health (or your life) at risk.
True or False: Coping skills come naturally and you don't have to put in effort to learn them.
False. Many coping skills take repetition and practice.
Give one example of setting a health boundary or explain why boundaries are important.
Healthy boundaries can contribute to a range of improvements in your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. They can boost your self-esteem and prevent harming feelings of self-doubt, sadness, and shame for allowing others to maltreat you.
How many questions do kids ask per day?
Kids ask about 300 questions per day, and on average one question every 2.5 minutes.
Some mental health diagnoses cannot be given to children.
If you think you no longer need to take your medications or feel they aren’t working properly, just stop taking them. T/F
FALSE. Several medications for mental health conditions can have unpleasant and dramatic side effects if stopped too suddenly. The dosage of many medications will need to be slowly decreased while under the supervision of your prescriber before you can stop taking them. Never go “cold turkey” and just stop taking your medications.
Scenario: you are in group and you are triggered. Name a coping skill you can use to deescalate yourself without leaving group.
5 senses grounding, putting thoughts on trial, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, positive self talk, etc.
Name a reason why a support group may be helpful.
What is the national animal of Scotland?
The Unicorn.
If someone in your family has mental health issues, you have a higher chance of also developing mental health issues.
Real.
Mental health medications are one tool among many that may reduce emotional distress. T/F
TRUE. Usually, the most effective overall treatment plans for mental health conditions include not only medication, but also counseling or psychotherapy. In addition, it’s vitally important to maintain healthy lifestyle changes such as appropriate nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, ample social support, and avoidance of illegal substances and alcohol overuse.
What is progressive muscle relaxation?
Progressive muscle relaxation is a method of deep muscle relaxation, based on the premise that muscle tension is the body's psychological response to anxiety-provoking thoughts and that muscle relaxation blocks anxiety.
The main character in the 2001 movie A Beautiful Mind experiences what mental illness?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness called ‘A Beautiful Mind’ a historic, authentic achievement. The film provides viewers with an inside look into the mind of someone who is battling to separate reality from delusion, as well as dispels many myths about schizophrenia and communicates important truths.
What was the first toy to be advertised on television?
Mr. Potato Head from Toy Story