1. Relapse Prevention Program1 Thinking About Relapse Prevention

2. Relapse Prevention Program2 What We’re Going To Do Today Talk about relapse prevention Share knowledge and experience concerning mental illness We’re going to share things that are personal, and perhaps even painful We are going to increase wellness levels

3. Relapse Prevention Program3 How Do I Know About Mental Illness and Relapse Prevention? I’ve studied and researched it But mostly I know about it the same way that you know about it All of us in this room have close knowledge, if not first hand experience, with mental illness I know about it because of the experiences of some of my family members, and because I have struggled with depression

4. Relapse Prevention Program4 What is Relapse Prevention? It is a type of psychoeducational training It teaches techniques to prevent recurrences of psychiatric illnesses It is a tool that empowers consumers

5. Relapse Prevention Program5 Why Is It Important to Learn about Relapse Prevention? It’s important because many psychiatric conditions are: –Chronic –Cyclical –Episodic It can help people have fewer and shorter episodes of acute illness

6. Relapse Prevention Program6 Relapse Prevention is Important Because: People can and do achieve wellness People can and do maintain wellness Sometimes relapses do occur Consumers are are often afraid they’ll become acutely ill again Multiple relapses increase the odds of permanent disability Relapses can be prevented

7. Relapse Prevention Program7 Research Tells Us Relapse prevention helps end “the revolving door syndrome” Provides familiarity with wellness levels –Unstable: symptoms interfere with daily life –Stable: medications are working, activities can be conducted –Actualized: symptoms move to the background, do not interfere

8. Relapse Prevention Program8 What You Can Learn from Relapse Prevention Education That early action at the first sign of symptoms (during the prodromal phase) CAN stop a relapse from happening before symptoms become debilitating Techniques to SHORTEN the length of an acute episode Having a clear plan will help you get back on your feet faster if you do experience a set back

9. Relapse Prevention Program9 What We’re Going To Explore Together General psychiatric symptoms Identify specific symptoms you have experienced Learn how recognize signs of relapse Develop ways to lessen symptoms Explore feelings and events that might “trigger” symptoms Develop personalized goals to achieve, maintain and, enhance wellness Complete a personalized plan should relapse occur

10. Relapse Prevention Program10 Why Talk About Relapse Prevention Now? Because you are experiencing wellness now And that’s when it’s easiest to do this kind of hard work By doing it together we’ll all be able to learn from each other The more that you know, the less likely you are to experience a relapse

11. Relapse Prevention Program11 What Causes Mental Health Disturbances? Specific conditions: –Depressive disorder –Schizophrenia –Bipolar Disorder –Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Imbalances in neurotransmitter systems Hormonal Imbalances (like in the thyroid) Genetic Predisposition (it runs in families) Trauma –Abuse –PTSD –Deprivation –Brain injury

12. Relapse Prevention Program12 What Does It Feel Like to Experience: Depression –Hopeless –Helpless –Useless Let’s add to this list

13. Relapse Prevention Program13 What Does It Feel Like to Experience: Mania –Racing thoughts –Like you could do anything –Speedy Let’s add to this list

14. Relapse Prevention Program14 What Does It Feel Like to Experience: Psychotic Symptoms –Voices were talking to you –People were looking at you –You saw things that others didn’t Let’s add to this list

15. Relapse Prevention Program15 How Did You Feel While You Were Having Symptoms? Scared and Nervous Like you knew things other people didn’t know Like there was something wrong with you You enjoyed these feelings Let’s add to this list

16. Relapse Prevention Program16 What Did You Experience Before Your Symptoms Became Troublesome? Withdrawal from friends and activities Sleeping too much Not sleeping enough Negative or hostile attitude Let’s add to this list

17. Relapse Prevention Program17 How Might You Feel If You Were To Experience Symptoms Again? Worried Embarrassed Like there’s nothing you can do about it Let’s add to this list

18. Relapse Prevention Program18 What Can You Do If You Have Troublesome Symptoms? Call Your Therapist Get a Physical Have a Med Check Seek out friends Avoid Negative and Critical People –Let’s add to this list

19. Relapse Prevention Program19 What Must You Do If You’re Experiencing Troubling Symptoms? Admit that you’re having difficulty Be honest and clear about what is happening, and about what hurts Take steps to eliminate Harmful Thoughts

20. Relapse Prevention Program20 What Are Harmful Thoughts? All or nothing (polarized) thinking –Everything’s Good –Everything’s Bad Believing someone else is responsible for your actions Blaming others Catastrophizing Mind reading Let’s add to this list

21. Relapse Prevention Program21 Dealing With Harmful Thoughts Identify them as negative Describe them Refute them Substitute positive thoughts List your accomplishments Let’s add to this list

22. Relapse Prevention Program22 What Should You Be On the Lookout For? Having trouble thinking or concentrating Becoming preoccupied about your health Feeling sad, anxious or irritable Feeling like you can do anything Hearing voices Let’s add to this list

23. Relapse Prevention Program23 What Else Should You Be Watching For? Isolating behaviors –Avoiding people –Not going to activates Increased alcohol or drug use Let’s add to this list

24. Relapse Prevention Program24 More Things To Watch Out For Neglecting Yourself –Bad Hygiene –Not caring about your appearance –Not eating –Not doing housekeeping chores Let’s add to this list:

25. Relapse Prevention Program25 Identifying Triggers? Family Stress Worrying about getting or keeping a job Alcohol or drug use Moving Relationship changes Let’s add to this list

26. Relapse Prevention Program26 Ways To Increase Wellness Believe that you have the ability to get well and stay well Continue taking prescribed medications Stop smoking Let’s add to this list

27. Relapse Prevention Program27 More Ways To Increase Wellness Improve your diet: more fruits and vegetables, less junk food Exercise Create satisfying social interactions NEVER CHANGE OR STOP TAKING YOUR MEDS WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR

28. Relapse Prevention Program28 If You Do Have Severe Symptoms? Contact your support people Accept help Understand that it’s not anyone’s fault –Even healthy people get colds Follow your personalized Relapse Plan Be prepared to Get Back in the Saddle

29. Relapse Prevention Program29 Getting Back in the Saddle Understand that even even people who do everything right still sometimes relapse At the first sign of symptoms take action Follow your healthy lifestyle plan Take your prescribed medicines Let’s add to this list

30. Relapse Prevention Program30 Your Personalized Plan Specified Hospital Name of Person to be spokesperson Names of your doctors Current medications Medications you’re willing/not willing to take Treatments you’re willing/not willing to allow