Anxiety Disorders
Name at least 2 non-pharmacological strategies for reducing anxiety.
exercise, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises
Name at least 2 symptoms or signs of depression
persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood, irritability, hopelessness, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness, decreased energy, loss of interest, restlessness, moving or talking slowly, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, appetite/weight changes, thoughts of death or suicide, unexplained aches/pains that don't respond to treatment
unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and ability to carry out day-to-day tasks
True or False: in general, people with mental illness are more likely to smoke tobacco than other adults
True. The higher rates of tobacco smoking are believed to contribute to the poorer health outcomes observed among people with mental illnesses.
True or False: Only people unaffected with mental health issues carry on mental health stigma.
False! Even people with mental health issues can carry beliefs that have been perpetuated by stigma, such as "I am to blame for my issues."
These medications for anxiety are typically used only short-term because people can build tolerance or become dependent on them.
Benzodiazepines: alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), etc
When taken as directed, most antidepressants take this long until a change in mood is noticed
up to 4 weeks
This is a period of extremely "up," elated, or energized behavior
manic episode
False! Substance use disorders are among the highest stigmatized. Fear of judgment or discrimination keeps people from seeking help. Because substance use is associated with criminality (it's illegal to use some drugs), many people believe people who use substances should be denied housing, employment, social services, or health care.
(How can we expect anyone to get better if they don't have housing, employment, social services, or health care?)
Name at least 2 harmful effects of stigma.
reluctance to seek treatment, fewer opportunities for work or social activities, bullying or harassment, belief that succeeding at your goals is not an option, believing that your situation can't improve
Name 2 physical causes of anxiety
caffeine, certain medications (stimulants), irregular heart rhythms, abnormal thyroid function
Before making changes in how or if I take medication, I should do this
Contact my doctor. Discontinuing medications suddenly can cause unwanted symptoms.
This is a period of very sad, "down," or hopeless period
depressive episode
Which is a more helpful way to speak about substance use? A. "person with substance use disorder", or B. "drug user." Why?
A. "person with substance use disorder" implies that a person -has- a problem. Using the term "drug user" implies that the person -is- the problem.
Consider the difference between a flower and a weed. When you look at them objectively, they are simply both plants! The only difference is your own feelings toward them; you think the flower has value and the weed does not. When it comes to people, is fair to make that judgment?
True or False: word choices matter when narrating your story, to yourself or others.
True! We are not an illness. It's more helpful (and accurate) to say "I have bipolar disorder" rather than "I am bipolar."
Name at least 2 types of anxiety disorders.
generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, body dysmorphic disorder, hair-pulling disorder, hoarding, obsessive-compulsive disorder
True or False: since supplements or herbs are available without a prescription, they are safe to take alongside my prescribed medication.
Not always! Some herbal products such as St. John's Wort should never be taken while taking prescription medications. Discuss all supplements you take with your prescriber, to ensure safety.
These are fixed beliefs that are not shared by others that are sometimes caused by bipolar disorder. For example, Alyssa believes she is famous, has lots of money, and has special powers to control the weather. Alyssa's family and friends don't see the evidence of these.
delusions
True or False: marijuana, since it has been legalized for recreational use in many states, is safe for everyone to use
Not necessarily: Marijuana may increase the risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. It can also worsen symptoms in people who already have psychosis
True or False: People who perpetuate mental health stigma have cruel intentions.
Most often, false! Most stigma comes from ignorance (people are simply unaware of their false beliefs).
True or False: antidepressants can treat anxiety
True
Name at least 2 strategies you can take in your life to enhance treatments for depression.
get physical activity, have regular contact with support people, eat nutritious foods, be open to asking for help when needed
These can be caused by bipolar disorder and cause the person to experience something with the senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) that an unaffected person in the same environment would not.
hallucinations
Describe how researchers understand the relationship between mental illness and substance abuse.
Both are commonly found together, but one does not necessarily cause the other, even if one appeared first.
-Some unknown cause can contribute to both mental illness and to substance use.
-Mental illness can contribute to substance use.
-Substance use can contribute to mental illness.
True or False: Mental health stigma exists at mostly equal levels around the world.
False: Stigma exists at lower levels in Asian and African societies, and is "almost nonexistent" in Islamic societies.