EMOTION AMPLIFIER THESAURUS

MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION



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HELPFUL TIP:

Amplifiers are conditions that enhance emotions, causing characters to become more volatile. This often leads to impaired decision-making, hasty actions and, best of all, mistakes. When utilizing an amplifier to generate conflict, think carefully about setting choices and which environments will naturally escalate emotion. An amplifier can also be perfect for triggering your character’s negative traits; the resulting fallout will draw attention to how his flaws trip him up and hold him back.
DESCRIPTION:
Mental health conditions are common and cover a wide range of symptoms, behaviors, and tendencies. While many characters live full and happy lives with these conditions, certain events can be more challenging for them. For instance, a character whose condition causes difficulty with regulating emotions, making abstract connections, or deciding on a course of action may find some situations harder to navigate. In this case, their existing mental health condition may become an amplifier.

When writing about a character's mental health, research is imperative to write their condition with respect and avoid unintentional harm. (For more information on how to accomplish this, see our addendum on the topic.) Each condition will have physical, mental, and emotional markers that vary depending on the type and individual. This entry consists of a broad range of possible indicators and ideas to help with general brainstorming. 

PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS:
Showing empathy for others with mental health conditions
Engaging in artistic or creative endeavors
Advocating for underdogs and those who are marginalized
Finding success through nontraditional methods and avenues
Excelling at outside-the-box thinking
Offering fresh perspectives
Advocating for themselves (or struggling to do so)
Wearing clothing based on comfort or personal style rather than popular fashion
Attending support groups
Speaking encouraging words to others
Struggling to read other people's body language
Acting impulsively
Disorganization
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INTERNAL SENSATIONS:
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MENTAL RESPONSES:
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ACUTE OR LONG-TERM CUES:
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EFFORTS TO HIDE THE MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION:
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ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS:
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EMOTIONS GENERATED BY THIS AMPLIFIER:
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DUTIES OR DESIRES THAT MAY BE MORE DIFFICULT TO FULFILL:
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SCENARIOS FOR BUILDING CONFLICT AND TENSION:
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WRITER’S TIP:
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