Session 5

Psychoeducational groups for Women in Ghana

Group Facilitators: Grace Kerstetter and Emily Griffin 

S.M.A.R.T Goals: 

By the end of services, the group will identify at least 2 self care techniques in each self-care dimension (Physical, mental, social, spiritual, etc.)

  1. The group will identify multiple self care techniques in each self-care dimension
  2. The group will demonstrate an understanding of at least 2 self care technique

Lesson Plan: 

1.Take roll call of all participants in attendance and mark those absent who are not attending.

  1. Lock doors to ensure confidentiality

2. Introductions 

  1. Each group member will introduce themselves using an adjective before their first name and explain why they chose that adjective 

3. Recap 

  1. Ask what the participants remember from the last session.
  2. Ask the participants what coping strategy was their favorite 

4. Lesson 4:Bipolar Disorder   

  1. Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). (Mayo clinic) 
  2. Common stressors: 
    1. Stress
    2. childbirth.
    3. experiencing the death of a family member or friend.
    4. Trauma
    5. Poor sleep 
    6. Alcohol or drug use
  3. Symptoms and signs (Handout): 
  4. Emotional:
    1. feeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time
    2. guilt and despair
    3. Loss of interest
    4. Emptiness and worthlessness
  5. Physical: 
    1. Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
    2. Talking too fast or too slow 
    3. Trembling.
    4. Feeling tired
    5. Sudden outbursts 
  6. Behavioral 
    1. Outburst and agitation
    2. Inability to sit still and remain calm.
    3. Social withdrawal and isolation.
    4. Decreased need for sleep
    5. Distractability 
    6. Inability to properly meet responsibilities at home, work, or school. (Valley behavioral health) 
  7. Cognitive
    1. impaired declarative memory, 
    2. executive function
    3. visual memory and attention 
    4. Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts.
    5. Feeling as though one is going crazy.
  8.  Relationships:
    1. Unprotected sex when manic
    2. Unstable relationships
    3. abuse
    4. Control 
    5. Feeling unsure
  9. Coping strategies 
    1. Physical 
      1. Walk for at least 20 minutes a day to raise the heart rate and do something you enjoy while walking.
      2. Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest, this is important for bipolar disorder
      3. Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
      4. Deep breathing exercises: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises, which involve taking deep breaths so that your belly expands, help improve mood and attention, and decrease stress hormone levels 
    2. Mental .
      1. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
      2. Develop a schedule 
      3. Take time making decisions 
      4. Join a support group
    3. Social 
      1. Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
      2. Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.
    4. Spiritual 
      1. Religion and prayer
      2. Walking in nature to connect to your environment
      3. Meditation
      4. Reflecting on your purpose
      5. Practicing rituals, like a yoga routine, expressive dance, religious rituals, and singing
      6. Volunteering
      7. Playing music

5.  Activity 1: 

Break: refreshments will be served 

6. Activity 2: 

DIY zen garden, this allows for relaxation and stress relief 

Materials:

  1. Sand (different colors are a plus!)
  2. Pebbles
  3. Sticks
  4. Mini trees
  5. Fake moss
  6. Essential Oils (to add a scent)

First start by laying out your surface then pour in the sand and create your own garden, your fingers to manipulate the sand and feel it between your fingers. Breathe in the essential oil and relax

7. Debrief:

The group will discuss what has been taught about bipolar disorder and how they felt about the activities they did while in group.

8. Dismissal

Items Needed: 

  • Handouts 
  • Refreshments 
  • Pens/pencils
  • Notebook

 

References:

Clinic, M. (2021, February 16). Bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955 

Dallas, M. E. (2022). Bipolar episode triggers. EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar-disorder/triggers-that-cause-bipolar-episode/#:~:text=Factors%20such%20as%20stress%2C%20poor,and%20better%20manage%20your%20condition. 

Illness Shop, C. (2022). Organization & Productivity. Chronic Illness Warrior Life Shop. https://www.chronicillnesswarriorshop.com/