Understanding Mental Health
What does the term “mental health” mean?
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community.
What is a substance use disorder?
Substance use disorders affect the brain and behavior, causing difficulties in work, school, or in relationships. These disorders involve patterns of behaviors that might include using more of the substance than planned, finding it difficult to stop, or continuing to use despite knowing it's causing harm.
What is a “trigger”?
AI Overview
Name one healthy coping strategy for managing stress.
Exercise, bath, meditation, asking for help, creating a to-do list, go for a walk
What does recovery mean to you personally?
No correct answer!
Name one common symptom of depression.
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, irritability or mood swings, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-loathing, withdrawal from social activities, neglecting responsibilities, substance use or abuse, and changes in sleep patterns.
Name one common sign of substance dependence
Withdrawal, tolerance, cravings, continued use despite problems, want to stop but can't
What coping skill can help when you feel a craving?
Deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness techniques, journaling, talking to a trusted friend or family member, calling a crisis line/sponsor.
How does self-care support mental health and recovery?
Self-care supports mental health and recovery by reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and building resilience through activities that nurture physical, emotional, and social well-being.
TRUE OR FALSE: You can have strong mental health even while living with a mental illness.
True!
How can trauma affect someone’s mental health?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, anxiety and depression, dissociation, anger, irritability, memory problems, concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, avoidance, hyper-arousal, chronic pain, physical health symptoms.
What’s the difference between tolerance and withdrawal?
Tolerance is a physical effect of repeated use of a drug. Tolerance does not always equal addiction. Withdrawal: Symptoms a person experiences when not using a substance, due to the body reacting to no longer having the substance.
What is the difference between an internal trigger and external trigger?
Internal triggers come from within, like emotions, thoughts, and sensations, while external triggers are environmental cues like people, places, and objects. Internal triggers can be uncomfortable feelings that a person seeks to escape, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom.External triggers are outside the body and are often easier to identify, including sounds, smells, or visiting a place associated with a past behavior.
What are two ways to prevent relapse or manage high-risk situations?
Increasing self-awareness, self-care, and life balance; ensuring adequate nutrition, exercise, and sleep; developing healthy relationships with others and self, and a recovery support network; improving coping and communication skills; addressing any existing physical or mental health issues; learning how to manage cravings; and learning relapse prevention skills.
What’s one way to practice self-compassion?
Practicing self-forgiveness, positive affirmations
What is anxiety’s main function in the body?
Anxiety is the body's natural alert system, a survival mechanism that protects you from perceived threats. It prompts a "fight-or-flight" response to help you react quickly to danger. While it is a necessary function for staying safe, it can become excessive and harmful in modern life.
What is the most commonly used substance amongst Americans aged 12 and older?
Alcohol
Describe one way DBT skills (like FAST/GIVE or Wise Mind) can help in recovery.
DBT skills aid recovery by providing practical tools to manage intense emotions, reduce cravings, and improve relationships, which helps prevent relapse and build a life worth living. The four core modules teach individuals to cope with stressful triggers without resorting to substance use, increase self-awareness, and build a strong support system.
Describe a grounding technique that helps when emotions feel overwhelming.
5-4-3-2-1 technique, yoga, meditation, walk, affirmations, sensory tools, journaling, describing your surroundings, focusing on breathing.
What are 3 strengths you can identify about yourself?
No right answer!
What was the name of the CDC study that studied childhood trauma?
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study
How many substance use diagnoses are in the DSM-5-TR?
10! Alcohol, Caffeine, Cannabis, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Opioids, Sedatives, Hypnotics, or Anxiolytics, Stimulants, Tobacco
What are the five stages of change?
Pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance.
What is the number to call for the suicide and crisis hotline?
988
What is one personal affirmation or strength that supports your recovery journey?
There is no correct answer here!!