TRUE or FALSE
Some meds can make you sleepy, especially at first.
TRUE
THESE MEDICATIONS HELP PREVENT MOOD SWINGS IN BIPOLAR DISORDER BY STABILIZING BRAIN ACTIVITY
MOOD STABILIZERS:
LITHIUM, DEPAKOTE, LAMOTRIGINE
What are 3 positive coping skills?
Music, weighted blanket, calling friends
or family, talking to a therapist, taking meds,
exercise, singing, playing with a pet, cleaning,
staying busy, preferred food, taking a shower,
engaging in hobbies, journaling, being in nature
MENTAL HEALTH CAN AFFECT ANYONE, NO MATTER THEIR AGE
If my doctor prescribes a drug, and then I start to feel better, it’s OK to stop taking it.
False. Unless the drug is to be taken “as needed,” you shouldn’t discontinue it without asking your doctor first. If you stop before finishing the full amount prescribed, this could make your condition worse.
This class of medications is often used for hearing voices, paranoia, or severe confusion.
What are ANTIPSYCHOTICS:
HALDOL
RISPERIDONE
ABILIFY
CLOZAPINE
What are some strategies that help you
fall asleep?
Reading, showering, aromatherapy,
white noise, relaxing, blankets, darkness,
cleanliness, bedtime routine, music, medication,
meditation, exercise during the day
SOMEONE SAYS: "YOU DON'T NEED MEDICATIONS, JUST STAY POSITIVE"
BEING POSITIVE IS IMPORTANT, BUT SOMETIMES I NEED MEDICATIONS TO FEEL BETTER
It’s not a big deal if you forget to take some of your mental health medications.
FALSE. Medications can’t be fully effective if you don’t take them according to the recommended schedule provided by your prescriber. Not staying on the correct medication schedule is one of the most common reasons for less than ideal improvement of your mental health condition.
Name some medications that improve depression
Fluoxetine (Prozac) Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Venlafaxine
Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro)
What is positive self-talk?
This is when you talk to yourself in a kind, encouraging way instead of being critical.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU RUN OUT OF MEDICATIONS OR MISPLACE IT
CALL MY OUTPATIENT PROVIDER OR CALL THE CRISIS LINE/ACT TEAM
This mood stabilizer requires regular blood tests to stay safe.
A: What is lithium?
What does it mean to be “med
compliant” or have good medication adherence?
Taking your medications as prescribed
(the right med, the right amount, the right time, and
following precautions)
What is a morning routine?
Starting your day by brushing your teeth, washing up, and getting dressed is part of this routine.
WHAT IS ONE WAY TO HELP ME REMEMBER TAKING MEDICATIONS DAILY
using a pill box
asking a trusted support to help,
review prescriptions with your doctor
keep a calendar for refills.
Antidepressants can take a few weeks to start working.
TRUE
What do you need to monitor if taking Clozapine
ANC
Neutrophil count
What is important to do or remember if you get angry
Stop and think before acting
Practice coping skills: deep breathing etc
Walk away and remove yourself from the situation if needed
WHAT ARE TWO THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROMOTE PERSONAL MENTAL HEALTH
EXERCISE, MEDITATION
TAKING MEDICATIONS,
GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP,
EATING HEALTHY
SEEING YOUR THERAPIST ON A REGULAR BASIS