Mental Health Conditions
It's the first-line option to treat difficulty sleeping
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Sleep hygiene is helpful too
True or false: All mental health medications are addictive
FALSE!
Many mental health medications are not addictive and Psychiatrists use non-addictive medications whenever possible
Bonus: Name a mental health medication that IS addictive
The name of the chemicals that allow our brains to function properly and can cause mental illness when they get out of balance
neurotransmitters
Bonus: Name 2 neurotransmitters
True or False: Having a mental illness increases your risk of developing a physical illness, but having a physical illness DOES NOT increase your risk of developing a mental illness
FALSE!
Having either a physical illness or mental illness increases your risk of developing the other, that is why it is important to see your primary doctor AND psychiatrist regularly and treat any conditions you have at the same time
This vitamin is made through exposure to sunlight but also is available as a supplement and can improve mood
Vitamin D
Normal Level is >30
Recommended intake 400–800 IU/day or 10–20 micrograms
True or false: Racing thoughts, staying up for days without feeling tired, and feeling invincible is a normal part of life for everyone.
FALSE!
These are signs of mania which can be very dangerous if not treated. ALWAYS tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms
Bonus: Name the condition associated with mania
The amount of time it takes for antidepressant medications take to work
4-6 weeks
You may see benefit in symptoms like appetite and sleep within 1-2 weeks
The weekly amount of minutes of aerobic exercise recommended to help mood, anxiety, and prevent physical illness
150 minutes = 30 minutes 5 day/week
A medical condition that may cause someone to have symptoms of depression
hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
This natural supplement can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and is produced by the brain
Melatonin
Recommended dose for adults: 3-10 mg
Controlled release is helpful for difficulty maintaining sleep
True or false: Some people who experience depression also can experience paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations
True- This kind of depression may require additional medications
Always tell your doctor if you begin to experience these symptoms!
Another condition besides depression that antidepressants help to treat
Anxiety
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Chronic pain
And many more!
A way to effectively manage anxiety without medications
Getting enough sleep
Breathing exercises
Meditation/mindfulness
any many more!
The goal A1c for people with diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association
<7%
This supplement can help lower cholesterol but it can also improve mood
Omega3 Fatty Acids (fish oil)
Talk to your doctor if you are interested in trying, it is safe to take as a supplement for most people
True or False: Talking about suicide increases the chance that a person will follow-through with it
False, talking about suicide is how we prevent it!
The class of medications that can help with thinking and hallucinations
Thought organizers or antipsychotics
They can also be used to help with mood disorders like bipolar disorder or PTSD
True or false: Alcohol does not interact with mental health medications
False! It can lead to more side effects or decrease benefit of most mental health medications!
It is best to avoid alcohol when on medication, but small amounts (1 glass of wine or 1 beer) occasionally is usually okay to consume. Talk to your doctor first in any case!
This is the "bad" type of cholesterol that should be <100
LDL
Bonus: What is the "good" type of cholesterol that should be >50
The supplement that interacts with many mental health medications and should never be taken without telling your doctor
St. John's Wort
How long you must take medications for mental health
it depends!
For some conditions, short term treatment is effective, while for other conditions require lifelong treatment.
Never stop a medication without telling your doctor
A medication that can be stopped abruptly without talking to your doctor
None!
trick question, ALWAYS talk to your doctor before stopping a medication
Social isolation is as bad for your health as smoking ___ cigarettes a day
15
The goal blood pressure according to the American Heart Association
<130/80
True or false: Any brand of supplement is fine to use since they are carefully regulated by the FDA
FALSE!
Supplements are NOT regulated by the FDA and picking a reputable brand is very important