Common Mental Illnesses: Signs and Symptoms
What mental illness is characterized hyperactivity and trouble paying attention to singular tasks for extended periods of time?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
What is Stress?
State of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Bodies natural response to a perceived threat/challenge.
A combination of what two things is typically prescribed for most (not all) mental illnesses?
Medication and Therapy
True or False: A person can be in multiple Mental Health States (Mental Distress, Mental Health Problem, Mental Illness/Disorder) at the same time.
TRUE
What is stigma in terms of mental illness?
A cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, reject, avoid and discriminate against people with mental illness.
What Mental Illness is characterized by persistent intrusive/unwanted thoughts that need to be satisfied by repetitive/ritualistic actions?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Name THREE healthy stress-reducing coping strategies...
Meditation, exercise, hobbies, yoga, mindfulness, talking to a friend/family member, time management, listening to music, outdoor time, pet therapy, maintaining proper sleep/nutrition, breathing techniques, etc...
Who can prescribe/perform treatments for Mental Illnesses?
Healthcare Professionals: Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Licensed Therapists, Primary Care Physicians, Family Doctors, etc...
Mental Distress, Mental Health Problem, or Mental Illness/Disorder: Someone is slightly nervous about playing in a soccer match later in the day.
Mental Distress
What is one thing you can do to "stamp-out stigma" related to mental illness?
Educate yourself/others about MI, speak up/address harmful stereotypes, watch your language, listen to people who have experienced MI, talk openly about MI, support organizations that fight stigma
This Mental Illness/Disorder is characterized by intense fear/worry about being judged by other people?
Social Anxiety Disorder
Positive stress can also be called...
Eustress
What is a common type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mental Distress, Mental Health Problem, or Mental Illness/Disorder: Someone is hallucinating and having delusional thoughts. MD, MHP, or MI?
Mental Illness/Disorder
What is a common misconception (stigma) about mental health conditions in general?
Many examples...
What are FOUR common signs of Major Depressive Disorder?
Intense sadness/unhappiness, loss of enjoyment in activities, withdrawal, sleep issues, suicidal thoughts/actions, self-harm, struggling with everyday activiets
How can exercise help reduce stress?
Releases endorphins in brain, requires intense concentration on one activity, helps physical functions, feeling of accomplishment.
What medication is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders?
Benzodiazipines (Anti-anxiety medications, Depressants)
Mental Distress, Mental Health Problem, or Mental Illness/Disorder: Someone broke-up with their significant other two days ago and is really down because of it.
Mental Health Problem
What is self-stigma?
Perpetuating unfair judgments/beliefs onto/about yourself based off of social stereotypes.
If someone is long periods of intense sadness followed by periods of mania, while also perceiving themselves as bigger/heavier than they really are, causing them to restrict their food intake, what two co-occuring Disorders could be happening?
Bipolar Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa.
What is the name of the primary stress HORMONE?
Cortisol
What are two specific treatments for eating disorders?
ED team, nutritionists, dietitians, hospitalization (in some cases), CBT, anti-depressants/anti-anxiety medications, psychotherapy, weekly weigh-ins
Mental Distress, Mental Health Problem, or Mental Illness/Disorder: Someone is having flashbacks and nightmares consistently about a traumatic event that happened to them over a year ago. They also forgot to do their homework that is due in one hour.
Mental Distress and Mental Illness
What role do media portrayals play in shaping public perceptions of mental health?
Example of it either reinforcing negative stereotypes or promoting understanding and empathy.
When some has an anxiety disorder so severe that they fear leaving their own home...
Agoraphobia
Explain the process of stress response activation...
Brain perceives a threat/challenge, orders release of stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline) in order to optimize bodily functions. This includes increasing heart and breathing rate, prompting preemptive sweating, and raising feelings of worry/fear. This is your fight, flight, or freeze response.
DAILY DOUBLE: What is the phone number for the suicide prevention hotline in the USA?
9-8-8
Mental Distress, Mental Health Problem, or Mental Illness/Disorder: Someone is driving over the speed limit to school and they are already 5 minutes late. They lost their job a week ago do to consistent episodes of intense sadness that last for months, causing the person difficulty with their sleep and getting up in the morning.
Mental Distress, Mental health problem, Mental Illness/Disorder.
Name three harmful impacts STIGMA has on those suffering from Mental Health conditions...
Prevents people from seeking treatment, promotes unnecessary fear, causes self stigma, lowers self-esteem, etc...