final Flashcards
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
ability to cope with daily stress in a socially acceptable way
extra:
emotion regulation
build relationships
be independent
manage stress
why mental health important for overall
well-being?
allows you to function as a capable human being in society
impacts self worth
Impacts physical aspects like sleep
What is mental illness
a disturbance in a person’s ability to cope with stress, to think and in their mood
how mental illness differ from everyday stress or emotional challenges?
lasts for longer periods or returns periodically
doesn’t need a reason to feel an emotion or act out in a behaviour
can be more severe or alarming
What are some common factors that can influence a person’s mental health, both positively and negatively?
positive:
stable childhood
support system
exercise
negative:
traumatic experiences
stressful job or homelife
disability or illness
What is stigma in the context of mental health? Provide an example of
how stigma can impact individuals seeking support.
believing people with mental illness are dangerous or attention-seeking
blames them for their condition
example:
stigma decreases the self and public worth of people with mental illness
decreases the amount of resources available
What are the key principles for promoting mental well-being among seniors
RIPFS
- Respect and Dignity
- Independence and choice
- Participation and social inclusion
- Fairness and equity
- Safety and security
Who are the key professionals that make up a mental health care team, and what roles do they play in supporting individuals?
Psychiatrists:
can diagnose and treat mental illnesses via medications or therapy (ea CBT)
Psychologists:
study behaviour and mood to diagnose mental illnesses, treat with therapy
HCA:
promote mental wellness and advocate for client needs
What are the four main categories of treatments and interventions for mental illness?
Therapy
medications
trauma informed practice
alternatives (exercise, diet)
How does culture influence the way mental health disorders are understood and treated?
Seeking treatment:
can view as sign of weakness
Family acceptance:
may deny or accept
Preference for treatments:
may distrust traditional medicine and prefer local healers or remedies
What challenges do family members of individuals with mental health disorders face?
funding
housing
Anxiety
Guilt
Potential depression
stigma
lack of social support
What is the role of Support Workers in Mental Health Care settings
Provide compassionate care (DIPPS)
Name some of the principles of Mental Health Care
FDVB
- Follow the care plan
- Do no harm
- View client is a whole person
- Be patient and supportive
Person-First language
emphasizes the individual before their condition
“children with epilepsy”
“men with diabetes”
Identity-First Language
condition is part of identity rather than separate
“I’m deaf” “I’m autistic”
What are the key principles of trauma-informed practice
STPCEA
Safety
Trustworthiness
Peer Support
Collaboration
Empowerment
Awareness
Trauma-Informed Practice
acknowledges that trauma affects all individuals and communities
is linked to mental health conditions
Describe BC’s Mental Health Act
BC law governing mental health and substance use
Allows for involuntary admission and treatment of individuals with serious mental health conditions who are at risk to themselves or others
Certified individualized under this act can be treated without consent
INVOLUNTARY ADMISSION
Individuals who are at risk to self and others
4 criteria:
1. mental disorder is impairing their ability to react appropriately
2. They require psychiatric treatment in a facility
3. To prevent illness from progressing and prevent client from harm and harming
4. doctor thinks that they are not suitable as a voluntary patient
VOLUNTARY ADMISSION
patient request admission into hospital for assessment and can accept/refuse treatment.
not a risk to self or others.
Families or significant may/may not provide input
Patient can discharge and leave, however
doctor can admit the patient “involuntarily”
Define anxiety
It is vague, uneasy feeling in response to
stress
What causes anxiety? Describe some of them
genetics, increased risk if family member has it
brain chemistry, like imbalance of serotonin or dopamine
substances, could be from withdrawl
Stressful or traumatic life events, can trigger anxiety when reminded of events
What are some signs and symptoms of anxiety
irrational and excessive fear
difficulty managing daily tasks
anxious thoughts and predictions
avoidance of feared situations
excessive physical reactions (heart racing, feeling short of breath)
caregiving strategies for supporting clients with anxiety?
support/accompany for group activities
accepting attitude
breathing technique
low stimuli environment
some treatment options for anxiety?
medication
behaviour modification therapy
psychotherapy
education
support groups
major depression
Severe feelings of worthlessness, sadness, disappointment, and emptiness lasting for weeks
What 4 factors can cause depression
biological
genetic
environmental
psychosocial
symptoms of depression in older adults
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Pain or discomfort
Dyspnea
poor concertation
treatment options for major depression
Psychotherapy
Medication
Lifestyle changes
Social support and counseling
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Type of depression but different from major depressive disorder (MDD)
Typically starts in Fall and improves in Spring and early Summer
Common in colder regions
bipolar disorder
extreme shifts in mood, energy, and daily
functioning
going from depressive lows to highs called mania or hypomania
Name and describe the three phases of bipolar disorder
Acute Phase:
Symptoms escalating
may require immediate treatment/hospitalization
Continuation Phase:
Symptoms persist
managed through treatment
Maintenance Phase:
Mood is stabilized
preventive treatment to avoid relapse.
treatment options for bipolar disorder
Medication:
Mood stabilizers
Atypical antipsychotics
Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Psychoeducation
Lifestyle Management:
Regular sleep schedule
avoiding alcohol/drugs
How can care providers support a client with bipolar disorder
Encourage medication adherence
Monitor and report mood changes
Emotional support
Ensure a safe environment
Describe schizophrenia
disconnection from reality (psychosis)
severe and chronic mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves
What are some potential causes and risk factors of schizophrenia?
Genetics
Brain chemistry and structure (Imbalances in dopamine and glutamate)
Environmental triggers
Substance use
What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Delusions
Hallucinations
Disorganized Speech
Disorganized or Abnormal Behavior
Illusions
What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Reduced emotional expression
Lack of motivation
Social withdrawal
Reduced speech
What are delusions
Are fixed, false beliefs without any basis in reality
include:
paranoid
Grandiose
Nihilistic
Sexual
What is hallucination?
a false sensory perception
perceptual experiences that do not exist in reality
Name a few types of hallucinations
Auditory
Visual
Tactile
Olfactory
Kinesthetic
How do symptoms of schizophrenia impact a person’s ability to maintain self-care
Deficits noticeable during psychotic episodes but can occur anytime
Positive & negative symptoms
can interfere with ADLs
At risk for sleep deprivation,
malnutrition, self-neglect,
increased health risk from pre-
existing medical conditions
treatment options for schizophrenia
Medications (psychotropic)
Psychosocial Treatment (ea Group Therapy)
Community Case Management (ACT)
What communication skills are essential for effectively supporting clients with Schizophrenia
respect personal space
Avoid staring
Allow for periods of silence
Speak in easy to understand sentences
Use observations without judgment
Describe personality disorders
personality traits become inflexible, unhealthy and maladaptive
individual has difficulty perceiving and relating to people and situations
What are some symptoms of personality disorders?
Frequent mood swings
Angry outbursts
Difficulty making friends
Need for instant gratification
Poor impulse control
What are some types of personality disorders
Borderline
Antisocial
Avoidant
Narcissistic
Obsessive Compulsive
Schizotypal
Dependent
Histrionic
Schizoid
Paranoid
What key factors should be considered when caring for someone with borderline personality disorder
Fear of abandonment
Potential self-harm
Manipulative behaviour
Name some treatment options for borderline personality disorder
therapy
medication
self-awareness
support systems/groups
What is the definition of substance use disorder (SUD)
Medical term for a pattern of substance use causing significant problems or distress
What are some signs that substance use is interfering with daily life?
Missing work or school
Using substances in dangerous situations (driving)
Legal issues
Interference with relationships
substance dependence
Medical term for continued drug or alcohol use despite significant problems
Signs of substance Dependence
increased tolerance to drug
Withdrawal
Social Withdrawal
Continued Use Despite Harm
What are the short-term risks associated with alcohol use
Intoxication
dependence potential
vomiting
loss of consciousness
respiratory depression
What are the long-term risks associated with alcohol use
Liver, pancreas, heart problems
Poor nutrition
Decreased sexual function
Depression
dementia
Impaired social & work/school functioning
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
What are some common symptoms of substance use disorder
Using larger amounts
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down
Strong cravings
Interference with responsibilities
Engaging in risky behaviors
Withdrawal
What are the early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Coarse hand tremors
Sweating
Increased pulse & blood pressure
Insomnia
Nausea and/or vomiting
What are the severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Hallucinations
Delirium
Seizures
Why is alcohol withdrawal particularly risky for older adults
may not show typical signs of withdrawal
develop withdrawal symptoms even with smaller alcohol amounts
Complicated Withdrawal Course
Clients with cognitive impairment may not accurately report
What factors influence the severity of withdrawal symptoms
Nature of substance
Length of time used
Amount used
Use of other substances
other medical & psychiatric conditions
dual diagnosis
term used when someone experiences
a mental illness and a substance use disorder simultaneously
What are the key responsibilities of caregivers when supporting individuals with SUD or mental illness
Watch for signs of drug use
Document and report any observations
Approach with Professionalism
Be non-judgmental
Focus on client strengths
Maintain safety
What are some strategies to prevent suicide at a societal level
Limiting access to means of suicide
Encouraging responsible media reporting on suicide
Fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents
Early identification, assessment, management, and follow-up for those affected by suicidal behaviors
Why are older adults, especially men aged 65 and older, at higher risk of suicide
They use more lethal means when attempting suicide
adults, 1 out of 3 attempts lead to death
youth, 1 out of 200
What are some major mental health disorders that contribute to suicide risk in elderly individuals
major depression
psychosis
traumatic events
personality disorders
isolation
What are some behavioral changes that may indicate a person is at risk for suicide
Behavioral Changes
Losing interest in hobbies or activities
Statements of Hopelessness or Burden
physical complaints
Immediate Red Flags:
Threating to harm or kill themselves
Talking or writing about dying or suicide
Seeking methods of self-harm
What steps should you take if someone expresses suicidal thoughts
ask if they have a plan
Listen, be empathetic
Do not minimize feelings
Consider your own safety
Contact your supervisor
Call 911 if necessary
Define abuse
Intentional physical or mental harm caused by another person or persons
Who are the abusers
Family members
friends
partners
classmates
co-workers
supervisors
caregivers.
can be multiple people
What are the types of abuse
Physical
Emotional
Sexual
Financial
Neglect
Bullying
Cyberbullying
What is the most common types of abuse seniors suffer from
physical
emotional
financial
neglect
examples of psychological abuse
Ignoring
Denying
Forgetting
Accusing
Degrading
Terrorizing
Isolating
examples of sexual abuse
Unwanted touching
assault
harassment
What is neglect
Failure to provide basic needs or medical care
examples of physical abuse
grabbed
slapped
object thrown at them
Pinched
hair pulled
being held down
Describe each phase in the cycle of abuse
1) Tension Building Phase
abuser becomes increasingly irritated by daily events/comments.
victim attempts to calm or please
2) Abusive Phase
tension erupts into abuse.
3) Honeymoon Phase
Abuser feels ashamed or sorry.
apologizes
promises not to repeat the abuse
may offer gifts or extra attention.
abuser and victim may believe change is possible
4) Calm Phase
temporary period of normalcy before the cycle repeats
Why are clients with dementia more at risk of being abused by their caregivers
may not recognize or remember abuse
unable to report
can be “difficult” or “act out” and caregivers can believe they deserve the abuse
caregivers can get burnout
What are the red flags to watch out for with caregivers who may become abusive
degrading comments
hitting or shoving
excuses
irritability
skipping steps or tasks
labelling residents as “difficult”
What can the HCA do to prevent client to client abuse
prevent triggers
keep the clients separate
dont leave unattended
ensure needs are met
What should you do if you suspect abuse
if cognitive, ask victim
reassure victim
note details of abuse
report abuse to services or employer
What should you include when reporting abuse
Victim:
Name
address
phone number
age
gender
Abuser:
same including relationship to victim
Description of Abuse:
Nature of abuse or neglect
Date, time, and place of incident.
Stick to facts
