Early Warning Signs
Which usually comes first before a relapse?
A. Hospitalization B. Early warning signs C. Crisis
Early warning signs
What is a trigger?
Anything that increases the likelihood of symptoms worsening or relapse.
What is the difference between coping and avoiding?
Coping addresses the problem or emotions in a healthy way; avoidance ignores or escapes them.
True or False: "I feel better, so I don't need treatment anymore."
False
Name one protective factor that reduces the risk of relapse
Medication, therapy, sleep, exercise, social support, routine, healthy coping, etc.
Why are early warning signs different from relapse symptoms?
They occur before a relapse and provide an opportunity to intervene before symptoms become severe.
Name three common relapse triggers.
Examples include stress, conflict, poor sleep, alcohol or drug use, medication non-adherence, isolation, financial stress, or major life changes.
A coping skill should:
A. Remove stress immediately
B. Reduce distress while keeping you safe
B
What is insight in mental health?
Understanding your illness, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when treatment is needed.
Which is more protective against relapse: having coping skills or using them consistently?
Using them consistently
A patient who normally enjoys spending time with others begins staying in bed, ignoring phone calls, and neglecting personal hygiene. Identify two early warning signs.
Social withdrawal, reduced self-care, loss of motivation, decreased functioning.
Which patient is at greater risk for relapse?
Patient A: Takes medication, attends therapy once a month only, sleeps poorly
Patient B: Stopped medication, spends most of his time alone.
Patient B
A patient feels increasingly anxious and wants to isolate. Name two coping strategies that could interrupt this cycle before symptoms worsen.
Grounding, deep breathing, walking, journaling, contacting support, mindfulness, distraction with healthy activities.
Name one common thinking trap that can increase relapse risk.
"I'll be fine without medication." "One drink won't hurt." "Nobody can help me." "This isn't a warning sign."
Complete this sentence: "When I notice ________, I should ________."
Responses will vary but should include an early warning sign and an appropriate action.
Which warning sign is most concerning because it can quickly increase vulnerability to relapse?
A. Missing one meal
B. Sleeping only 3 hours a night for a week
C. Watching too much TV
D. Forgetting one household chore
Persistent lack of sleep
A patient says, "I know I'm stressed, but I can handle everything by myself." What thinking pattern increases their relapse risk?
Overconfidence, poor insight, refusing support, minimizing symptoms.
Which coping response is most likely to prevent relapse?
A. Stay in bed all day
B. Drink alcohol to relax
C. Ignore symptoms and hope they pass
D. Contact a trusted support person and use coping strategies
D
A patient says, "My medication isn't working because I still have bad days." How would you challenge this belief?
Medication reduces symptoms and relapse risk but doesn't eliminate normal stress or emotions; recovery involves multiple strategies.
Put these in the correct order:
• Use coping skills
• Crisis occurs
• Recognize warning signs
• Ask for help
: 1. Recognize warning signs → 2. Use coping skills → 3. Ask for help → 4. Crisis (if prevention fails).
A patient reports sleeping poorly, racing thoughts, increased spending, and says they "feel amazing." What condition might these warning signs suggest, and what should happen next?
Possible manic episode. Contact the treatment team promptly, review medications, increase support, and monitor safety
Identify four relapse risks in this scenario: A patient has stopped medication, is sleeping poorly, drinking more alcohol, avoiding appointments, and arguing with family. Which risk would you address first, and why?
Risks include medication non-adherence, poor sleep, substance use, missed appointments, interpersonal conflict. Priority may vary but should be justified (e.g., medication adherence or safety concerns).
A patient notices increasing paranoia but believes no one will understand. Develop a three-step response to reduce the risk of relapse.
Recognize the warning sign, contact a trusted support person or treatment team, and use grounding or other coping strategies while seeking help.
A patient stopped attending therapy because they have been symptom-free for two months. What assumptions are they making, and how would you challenge them?
They assume feeling better means treatment is no longer needed. Discuss maintenance, relapse prevention, and the importance of ongoing support.
Create a complete relapse prevention plan that includes: 3 early warning signs, 3 triggers, 3 coping strategies, 3 support people/resources, and 1 emergency action if symptoms worsen.
Responses will vary and should demonstrate a comprehensive, individualized prevention plan.