Real or Myth
Women are two times more likely to develop PTSD than men.
Real
Trauma has boundaries regarding age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. (T/F)
False
The first step in learning how to deal with triggers is
What are two ways to get better sleep?
-Exercise
-Avoid electronics in bed/ close to bedtime
-Avoid caffeine
-Try to have a consistent sleep schedule
In the show That 70's Show, what state is yelled at the end of the theme song?
Hello Wisconsin!
In the U.S., 26% of children experience a traumatic event before the age of 4. Two-thirds of children will experience a traumatic event before they turn 16.
Research has shown that traumatic experiences are associated with both behavioral health and chronic physical health conditions, especially those traumatic events that occur during childhood. (T/F)
True
T/F?. Internal triggers cannot be a memory or emotion.
False. An internal trigger comes from within the person. It can be a memory, a physical sensation, or an emotion.
For example, if you're exercising and your heart starts pounding, the sensation might remind you of a time you were running from an abusive partner. Other common internal triggers include:
What are the two main types of coping skills?
Problem-based coping skills focus on changing the situation, while emotional-based coping skills are centered on changing how you feel. Knowing which approach is right for a specific situation can help you deal with stress more effectively.
What is measured in "Mickeys"?
The speed of a computer mouse
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States.
Real. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
While traumatic events can happen to anyone, you're more likely to be traumatized by an event if you're already under a heavy stress load, have recently suffered a series of losses, or have been traumatized before—especially if the earlier trauma occurred in childhood. (T/F)
True
T/F. External triggers come from a person's environment.
True. External triggers come from the person's environment. They can be a person, place, or a specific situation. What may be a normal, everyday situation or minor inconvenience for some may be triggering to someone living with mental illness.
For example, a person living with trauma may be triggered by:
How many million Americans struggle with mental illness?
More than 43 million
What was the first soft drink in space?
Coca-Cola
All coping skills are healthy coping skills.
Myth. Just because a strategy helps you endure emotional pain, it doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
Unhealthy coping techniques—such as drinking or avoiding the problem—may offer some temporary relief, but they tend to make things worse in the long run. These unhealthy tactics can also lead to other problems that create more stress and make coping more difficult.
Name some emotional and psychological symptoms of trauma.
Shock, denial, or disbelief.
Confusion, difficulty concentrating.
Anger, irritability, mood swings.
Anxiety and fear.
Guilt, shame, self-blame.
Withdrawing from others.
Feeling sad or hopeless.
Feeling disconnected or numb.
T/F. When dealing with triggers, your ultimate goal should be to detach yourself from the trigger, re-center, and focus on your coping strategy.
True. Empower yourself by preparing to cope with triggers. Learn to recognize physical signs of reacting to a trigger, such as changes in your breathing, so that you can employ strategies to calm yourself and shift your emotional state.
What factors contribute to the development of a mental health condition?
Many factors contribute to the development of a mental health condition, including life experiences (such as trauma or a history of abuse), biological factors, and family history of mental illness.
What was the first feature-length animated movie ever released? (Hint: It was a Disney Movie)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Trauma does not cause changes in the brain.
Myth. When you experience a traumatic event, it causes your brain to react. A distressing experience activates your amygdala, which is the part of your brain that detects threats and sends signals to the rest of your body to respond. This can trigger your “fight-or-flight” response or cause you to freeze. Your body also releases adrenaline and stress hormones.
Name some physical symptoms of trauma:
Insomnia or nightmares.
Fatigue.
Being startled easily.
Difficulty concentrating.
Racing heartbeat.
Edginess and agitation.
Aches and pains.
Muscle tension.
How can you better handle your triggers?
*Free response*
These are the 3 common mental health disorders, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
Depression: 7.2% of American adults report having had a major depressive episode.
Anxiety Disorders: 19.1% of Americans say that they’ve suffered from anxiety at some point in their lives.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: 3.6% of Americans are currently living with PTSD.
Which of these animals has the most legs: bee, octopus, or crab?
Crab
(Bees have six, octopi have eight, crabs have 10)