Mental health
17 questions
How to cope with stress?
•Identify sources.
•Physical exercises.
•Breathing practices.
•Sufficient sleep.
•Work/rest boundaries.
•Professional help if necessary.
Signs of depression?
•Depressed mood >2 weeks.
•Loss of interest.
•Changes in sleep and appetite.
•Fatigue.
•Feelings of guilt, worthlessness.
•Consult a doctor.
How does anxiety differ from panic?
•Anxiety — prolonged worry.
•Panic attack — acute episode.
•PAs symptoms: heart palpitations, fear of death, 10-30 min.
•PAs are not dangerous but frightening.
•Therapy is effective for both.
How to help a loved one with depression?
•Listen without judgment.
•Do not give advice like 'cheer up'.
•Offer help with household tasks.
•Encourage seeking a specialist.
•Watch for signs of suicide.
When is a psychologist needed, and when a psychiatrist?
•Psychologist — psychotherapy, no medications.
•Psychiatrist — doctor, prescribes medications.
•They often work together.
•For severe conditions — see a psychiatrist.
•For talk therapy — see a psychologist.
How does meditation work?
•Attention training.
•Reduces stress, anxiety.
•Start with 5 min a day.
•Apps: Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer.
•Regularity is more important than duration.
What is burnout?
•Emotional exhaustion from work.
•Cynicism, detachment.
•Decreased productivity.
•Causes: overload, lack of control.
•Solution: boundaries, rest, possibly changing jobs.
Do social networks affect mental health?
•Yes, especially in teenagers.
•Comparing with others, FOMO.
•Sleep disturbances from screens.
•Limit time: 30-60 min/day.
•Unsubscribe from toxic content.
How to improve self-esteem?
•Track negative thoughts.
•Record achievements.
•Environment influences — choose supportive people.
•Compare yourself with your past.
•Therapy for serious problems.
What is PTSD?
•Post-traumatic stress disorder.
•After a traumatic event.
•Symptoms: flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance.
•Effective treatments: EMDR, CBT.
•Consult a specialist.
How to deal with panic attacks?
•Remember: it’s not dangerous.
•Breathing: slow exhale.
•Grounding: see 5 things, hear 4...
•Do not avoid situations.
•Therapy helps prevent them.
How to help yourself with anxiety?
•Breathing exercises: 4-7-
8.
•Physical activity.
•Limit caffeine.
•Regular routine.
•Write down anxious thoughts and challenge them.
What is seasonal depression?
•Depression in autumn-winter period.
•Related to lack of light.
•Light therapy 10000 lux.
•20-30 minutes in the morning.
•Walks outdoors.
Mental health: how to build basic self-help for anxiety?
For the topic 'Mental health', focus on symptoms and red flags. If condition worsens, severe pain/fever/difficulty breathing — it’s better to see a doctor.
Mental health: how to recognize signs of burnout and what to do?
Practice for 'Mental health': prepare for the appointment — list of symptoms, duration, medications, tests, and questions. This makes the consultation more effective.
Mental health: how to find a specialist and assess therapy progress?
Answer on "Mental health": do not self-medicate with prescription drugs. Check drug compatibility and follow instructions.
Mental health: how to support your mental well-being through sleep and routines?
For "Mental health", it is helpful to track dynamics: when it started, what increases/decreases it, and any accompanying factors. This aids in diagnosis.