MENTAL HEALTH BASICS
What is mental health?
Mental health involves our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and ability to handle everyday life.
Name one common symptom of anxiety.
Worry, nervousness, racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or physical symptoms such as a racing heart.
True or False: Schizophrenia affects every person in exactly the same way.
False. Symptoms and experiences can vary from person to person.
What are two types of mood episodes associated with bipolar disorder?
Depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes.
What is one example of a healthy coping skill?
Walking, listening to music, deep breathing, talking to someone, exercising, journaling, or doing a hobby.
True or False: Mental health can change throughout a person's life.
True. Stress, life experiences, relationships, physical health, and other factors can affect mental health.
Name one way depression can affect someone's daily life.
It can affect energy, motivation, sleep, appetite, concentration, mood, or interest in activities.
Name one type of symptom that may occur with schizophrenia.
Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, or negative symptoms such as reduced motivation or emotional expression.
True or False: Bipolar disorder only involves feeling happy and sad.
False. Bipolar disorder involves significant changes in mood, energy, activity, and other symptoms.
True or False: Recovery looks exactly the same for everyone.
False. Recovery is personal and can look different for each person.
Name two things that can support good mental health.
Examples include healthy sleep, exercise, social support, hobbies, coping skills, treatment, and healthy routines.
True or False: Someone can experience anxiety even when there is no immediate danger.
True. Anxiety can involve worry or fear even when there is no immediate threat.
What is one reason following a treatment plan can be helpful?
It can help a person manage symptoms, maintain stability, and work toward personal goals.
Name one possible sign of a manic or hypomanic episode.
Increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, increased activity, or unusually rapid speech.
Why can setting small goals be helpful? Name one healthy activity you can do outside.
Small goals can make larger goals feel more manageable and allow a person to recognize progress.
What is the difference between a mental health symptom and a mental health diagnosis?
A symptom is an experience or change a person may have. A diagnosis is a professional description of a pattern of symptoms and experiences.
Name two healthy coping skills that may help someone experiencing anxiety.
Deep breathing, grounding, taking a walk, talking to someone, relaxation, music, or another healthy coping skill.
True or False: A person experiencing hallucinations may hear or see things that other people do not.
True. Hallucinations are experiences involving the senses without an external stimulus that others can perceive.
Why can maintaining a regular sleep routine be important for someone with bipolar disorder?
Consistent sleep can support mood stability and overall wellness.
Name three people or resources someone might use for support during recovery.
Examples include family, friends, staff, treatment providers, support groups, community resources, or crisis services.
Why is it important not to define a person by their mental health diagnosis?
A diagnosis is only one part of a person. People also have strengths, interests, relationships, goals, and personal experiences.
Why might someone with depression have difficulty completing everyday tasks?
Depression can affect energy, motivation, concentration, and interest, which can make everyday tasks feel much harder.
What is one way someone can respond supportively when a person is experiencing a mental health symptom?
Stay calm, listen, show respect, avoid arguing about the person's experience, and help connect them with appropriate support.
True or False: A person with bipolar disorder can have periods of stability and continue working toward personal goals.
True. With appropriate treatment and support, many people manage symptoms and pursue meaningful goals.
What does relapse or having a setback mean for a person's recovery?
A setback does not erase previous progress. It can be an opportunity to identify what happened, increase support, and continue working toward recovery.