Mental Health Basics
What does the term “mental health” mean?
A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
What is Recovery
Recovery is an ongoing process of change. Individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
Myth or Fact: People with mental illness can’t live normal lives.
Myth. Many lead successful, full lives.
What happens during the emotion of fear
•Fear can active the body’s stress response, making it harder to think clearly and regulate emotions
What is a grounding skill
•5-4-3-2-1
5 things you see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 thing you can smell
1 thing you can taste
When is Professional Help Needed
•Persistent depression or anxiety
•Significant change in functioning
•Increasing substance use
•Severe withdrawal concerns
•Increasing isolation
•Inability to maintain daily responsibilities
•Persistent hopelessness
•Thoughts of self- harm or suicide
•Immediate concerns about safety
What are Waring Signs
•Increasing isolation
•Change in sleep
•Increased irritability
•Loss of routine
•Skipping treatment
•Romanticizing past substance use
•Returning to high-risk environments
•Increased cravings
•Stopping healthy activities
•Avoiding supportive people
Myth or Fact: Talking about suicide makes it more likely to happen.
Myth — open conversation can save lives.
What happens when someone feels overwhelmed during recovery
•Racing thoughts
•Irritability
•Difficulty concentrating
•Sleep problems
•Avoidance
•Emotional shutdown
What are protective factors
Housing
Relationships
Employment/Education
Healthcare
Sense of purpose
Mental health symptoms can influence
•Coping ability
•Decision-making
•Motivation
•Relationships
•Sleep
•Stress Levels
•Risk of substance use
True or False: you can treat recovery without treating mental health
False-
Treating one without addressing the other may
Leave Important factors untreated
Myth or Fact: You can just “snap out” of depression.
Myth. It requires treatment and support.
What is an Example of Fear during recovery
"What if I lose control and start using again"
What are 3 types of support networks
Personal
Professional
Peer
Guilt is
“I did something I regret.”
True or False : Recovery is not individualized.
False-Recovery is individualized. There is no single pathway or timeline.
Myth or Fact: Substance abuse and mental health are often linked.
Fact. Co-occurring disorders are common.
what happens during social isolation
•Social isolation can increase emotion distress and reduce access to healthy supports
What is Stress Management
Helpful strategies can include:
•Regular sleep
•Physical activity
•Relaxation techniques
•Time management
•Social connection
•Mindfulness
Shame is
“There is something wrong with me”
Recovery CAN involve:
•Reducing or eliminating substance use
•Improving mental and physical health
•Developing healthy relationships
•Improving daily functioning
•Establishing stability
•Developing purpose and meaningful actives
Myth or Fact: Only adults struggle with addiction.
Myth. Addiction can affect anyone, including teens.
what are the two different types of triggers
•External triggers: Things outside of us
•Internal triggers: Things happening inside us
Why do Cognitive Behavioral Skills matter
Changing the interpretation or behavior can sometimes change the emotional outcome