Medication Management
True or False: It is usually recommended to stop taking psychiatric medications once feeling better.
FALSE!
True or False: There are apps available to download for free (such as Every Dollar) which can help you create your own budget.
True!
Name one way that chronic pain affects mental health.
Answers: Increased worry, fear, depression, anxiety, stress.
What is the Circadian Rhythm?
The Circadian Rhythm is the body's "internal clock." It is the natural 24-hour sleep-wake cycle that our bodies move through every day. The Circadian Rhythm is foundational to well-functioning health.
Define "physical hunger."
This is when our bodies feel hungry! It can manifest as a growling stomach, a headache, feeling faint & a variety of other physical symptoms.
Name one barrier to taking medications as prescribed.
Possible answers: medications can be expensive, forgetfulness with taking medications, etc.
Name one Financial Wellness strategy! This is an action step that you can take to help you manage your money in a healthy way.
Possible correct answers: Making a budget, opening a savings account, working to pay down debt, etc.
Describe how increased stress/anxiety can affect chronic pain.
Stress/Anxiety can lead to tension or clenched muscles, which can then potentially increase pain.
What is an example of something that disrupts the body's circadian rhythm?
Possible answers could include: Eating late at night, spending time on devices or in bright artificial light late at night, exercising at night, drinking caffeine later in the day, etc.
Define "practical hunger."
Practical hunger is the act of eating even in the absence of hunger cues because you know you might not have a chance to eat again for a while.
Name one strategy for medication compliance.
Possible answers: Set an alarm reminder, use a pill box/organizer, keep medications in a visible place to help remember to take them, etc.
Name one strategy to help reduce impulsive spending.
Possible answers: Pause and ask yourself if the purchase is a WANT or a NEED. Pause and ask yourself if the purchase aligns with your values.
Name one healthy strategy to use to cope with chronic pain.
Possible correct answers: Ease tension in the body, use healthy distractions, use good ergonomics, take medications as prescribed, pacing activities, mindfulness, etc.
Circadian rhythm dysfunction can contribute to mental health conditions, such as _______________.
Depression & Anxiety.
Define "emotional hunger."
Emotional hunger is eating to satisfy an emotional need.
Name the best way to dispose of any unused, old, or expired medications.
Take them to a local pharmacy (such as CVS, Walgreens, etc) that offers medication disposal services!
Define what Financial Wellness means.
A person's satisfaction with their current financial situation and future prospects (including income, debt, and savings).
How can mindfulness provide benefits for chronic pain?
The goal of mindfulness is to ease tension and relax the body as much as possible, which can then help to reduce pain.
Name one "action step" that can be taken to support a healthy Circadian Rhythm.
Possible answers: Refrain from caffeine after lunch, keep the place that you sleep cool & dark, refrain from eating large meals late at night, get exercise done during the day before dinner, etc.
Define "taste hunger."
Taste hunger is the desire for a specific food due to its taste. It's eating what "sounds good" to you.
Name two things that are VERY IMPORTANT to inform your medication prescriber about!
Possible answers: 1) Allergies 2) Adverse Reactions to Medications 3) All medications currently being taken 4) All over-the-counter vitamins/supplements currently being taken
This is a local agency that provides free financial counseling. They assist clients with creating a budget, building credit, managing student loans, planning for retirement, and more.
Credit Counseling Center
What is ergonomics?
The goal of ergonomics is to design tasks, tools, furniture and equipment in a way that minimizes risk of injury or physical stress on the body.
Circadian Rhythm dysfunction can contribute to various physical health conditions, such as __________.
Possible answers could include: IBS, weight gain, autoimmunity, hormonal dysregulation, high blood sugar.
What is the name of Penndel Mental Health Center's food pantry?
Cares Cupboard