Mental illness
What is the difference between stress and anxiety
Stress is typically from external trigger (positive or negative)
Anxiety is persistent, excessive worries
Name 3 daily habits for optimal physical and mental health
Physical exercise, balance diet and sleep hygiene.
It’s 2 am, you wake up with a panic attack. The usual coping strategies are not working, what can you do?
Call crisis line, call 811, call a friend/family.
How can you prepare for a visit with your psychiatrist?
Education, keep track, make list of concerns, bring someone else, ask questions
How or where can you get information about medication?
Physician, Nurse, Pharmacist, Mental health association websites (CAMH)
What are 4 symptoms of depression
Change in sleep patterns, change in appetite, feeling of hopeless, lack of interest in usual activities, lowered energy level, self-isolation
Name 3 sleep hygiene strategies
Set a schedule, avoid caffeine later in the day, avoiding naps, limit screens 2 hours before bedtime, leave your bed if you don’t sleep after 20 mins, make your room comfortable
List two coping strategies to relieve or prevent your feelings of depression.
Stay in touch, stay/be active, maintain a routine, challenge negative thinking, balance diet and sleep hygiene.
What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry?
Psychology: the study of the mind, emotions and behaviors. Examine the cognitive and social factors that influence people’s actions and reactions.
Psychiatry: Focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.
You forgot a whole day ‘s worth of medication. What do you do?
Do not take extra
Call/consult your treatment team
Call/consult pharmacist
Put reminders
What are the causes of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia?
Mostly unknown. Genetic, Environmental, Brain chemistry, personality type, actions/behaviours
What is a balance diet
Eating a variety of healthy food each day ( Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins, limit highly/ultra processed food, drink water
What are early warning signs. Can you name 4?
Thoughts, feelings or behaviors that can indicate that you need help.
Mood swings, Sleep of appetite changes, Withdrawal, Drop in functioning, Problem thinking, Apathy, Feeling disconnected, Nervousness, Unusual behaviors
True or False: you should always follow the direction of your psychiatrist without question?
False
You have the right to ask questions and also to take some time to think.
What is always on its way but never arrives?
Tomorrow
What are negative and positives symptoms?
Negative: absence of something.
Positive: add or distort the normal functioning
Caffeine is found in chocolate, coffee and some soda. Is caffeine a drug?
Yes, it is a naturraly occuring central nervous system stimulant.
I am easy to lift, but hard to throw. What am I?
Feather
What goes up but never comes down?
Age
What are 3 common side effects of psychotropic medication
Dry mouth, sedation, weight gain, fatigue/drowsiness, sexual disturbance
What grows when you feed it, but dies when you water it?
What is always on the ground but is never dirty?
Shadow
What is a growth mindset and how can you develop it?
Believing you can develop the abilities through hard work. It can help you take on challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.
Can you be held in the hospital against your will?
Yes, if you present a danger to yourself or to others.
You are starting antidepressant medication. When could you expect positive effects?
2 to 6 weeks