Depression/CBT-SP
depressed mood/sadness, loss of interest/pleasure, difficulties sleeping (hypersomnia or insomnia), rapid weight change, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of death, excessive guilt, etc.
What is anxiety? What are some common symptoms of anxiety?
Symptoms include uncontrollable worry, excessive nervousness, sleep problems, muscle tension, poor concentration, increased heart rate, upset stomach, avoidance of fear, etc.
What is the difference between use, misuse, and abuse.
substance use - "recreational use"
substance misuse - using a substance in a way other than its intended purpose
substance abuse - chronic use that causes impairments in one's daily life
What are the components of the cognitive triangle?
thoughts (cognitions), feelings, behaviors; hence the name CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
What is fight-or-flight? What is the role of this phenomenon in contributing to anxiety?
Share what you know about the following drug classes and classifications and their effects on the brain and body: cannabinoids, depressants, stimulants, alcohol, opioids,
Cannabinoids: marijuana, hashish; feel relaxed/elated
Depressants: depressed/slow down CNS functioning; relaxed and tired
Stimulants: increase/ramp up CNS; increase energy, concentration, pleasure
Alcohol: a depressant; impairs CNS functioning, reduce inhibitions
Opioids: powerful pain killers that mimic the effects of the brain's natural NTMs
What are/were you triggers for depression mood and/or suicidal ideation?
FREEBIE!
Explain how anxiety is maintained utilizing the concept of the avoidance cycle.
Cycle of anxiety:
1. Anxiety is experience/a threat is perceived
2. An individual avoidance the anxiety-inducing stimulus
3. Short-term relief from anxiety
4. Long-term anxiety growth
What is the difference between sobriety and harm-reduction?
The goal of sobriety, or abstinence, is to stop using a substance altogether, while the goal of harm-reduction is to decrease use in order to decrease the amount of harm/negative consequences that may occur as a result of substance misuse or abuse.
What are cognitive distortions and how can they contribute to depression?
Cognitive distortions are irrational thoughts that we have about ourselves, others, and the world around us. They are not usually based in fact and can be automatic in nature. Cognitive distortions can contribute to depression (and anxiety) by creating unrealistic/irrational interpretations of events in our brains that lead us to experience uncomfortable or distressing emotions, such as depression.
What is the difference between what "could" happen and what "will" happen?
What "could" happen is referring to potential or probability, but it is not a guaranteed outcome. What "will" happen is language that describes a guaranteed outcome. It is important to determine the difference between what will happen and what could happen because "coulds" contribute to anxiety.
Why is it important to identify triggers for substance use?
Triggers are people, places, things, and events that contribute to an unwanted emotional or behavioral response. It is important to recognize triggers so we can try to avoid them, if possible, or prepare to encounter them in order to reduce/avoid substance use.
What are cognitive coping skills? What are some ways to utilize them to challenge suicidal and/or depressed thoughts?
Cognitive coping skills are coping skills that we use in the mind. Some examples of cognitive coping skills include identifying automatic/irrational thoughts, Socratic questioning, cognitive reframing, positive self-talk, thought-stopping, thought replacement, thought logs, etc.
Mindfulness/Grounding Techniques
Visualization
Deep Breathing
Progress Muscle Relaxation
Challenging irrational thoughts
Positive imagery
Name some healthy ways to cope with substance use cravings.
1. Identify triggers and proceed accordingly
2. Distractions/Diversions
3. Creating new, healthy habits
4. Social Support
5. Address mental health issues with healthy coping skills and/or medication management