What is Mental Health?
If physical health is about our body, what is mental health about?
Our mind- thoughts and emotions
(although these are also connected to the body as we experience sensations when feeling and thinking certain things)
Name one healthy activity you can do with someone.
Any appropriate coping skill; for example, walking together, watching a movie together, sitting together, listening to music together, drawing together, playing a sport, etc.
Who are the support staff at school who can help if I am experiencing stress or difficulties?
Name a positive way to deal with your feelings that you can do almost everywhere
What are some common feelings if our mental health is not the best?
1. Sadness
2. Anger
3. Hopelessness, helplessness
4. Shame
5. Worry
Can mental health affect physical health?
Yes!
For example, if I am constantly worried or stressed, I might get high blood pressure, my heart might beat faster, etc.
Name one healthy activity you can do by yourself.
Any healthy coping skill one can do individually, including walking, reading, listening to music, writing, making crafts or bracelets, shooting basketball, etc.
Who are some supports outside of school I could go to if needing resources or someone to talk to?
Family or community members who are trustworthy (preferably an adult), a doctor, counselor or psychiatrist (if you have one)
What is your opinion?
Is it OK to take time to process your feelings and relax before dealing with a situation,
Should you just address it right away,
Or should you keep your feelings to yourself?
What are some common behaviors someone might have if not feeling well (angry, sad, worried, stressed)?
Difficulty sleeping
Eating more or less than normal
Withdrawing from others
Being more irritable, angry to others
Thoughts or attempts to harm self or others
Can physical health affect mental health?
Yes!
For example, if I have a physical condition like diabetes, I may become down or depressed due to stress due to not being able to eat what others do, etc.
What is the 5,4,3,2,1 method of grounding?
Take a moment to think and pay attention to:5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste (or, think of one positive thing about yourself)
What is the free 24 hour hotline you can call if in a crisis or thinking about self harm or suicide?
988
Name someone who is a positive support for you.
It is a safe, confidential space to talk about things, get our feelings out, and discuss possible solutions to some of our difficulties.
What is a trigger or reminder?
It is something that I see, hear, smell, taste, or touch that reminds me of something that I have experienced or heard about; it can be positive or negative
How do you do deep breathing correctly?
Demonstrate and/or describe:
Breathe in through your nose- your diaprgham should fill up with air- hold it for a few seconds- and breathe out gently through your mouth
What is one way to support a peer who is feeling upset or dealing with a mental health challenge?
1. Spend time with them doing a fun activity
2. Listen to them- you don't have to give advice to be helpful
3. Smile
4. Ask them how they are doing and check in with them often
If I start to have negative thoughts about myself and start to lose motivation with schoolwork and life, what should I do?
What are some thoughts someone might have if feeling stressed, sad, angry, worried, etc,?
"I'm always going to feel this way"
"Things won't get any better"
"No one cares"
"There is nothing that I or anyone else can do to help me feel better"
What does mental health mean?
1. Positive ways we care for our mind and emotions
2. Seeking support
3. Using positive coping skills
What is one of the best coping skills to use when feeling a really strong emotion (ie, anger)?
Movement (repetitive movement)
Examples are: running, walking, rocking in rocking chair, drumming, tapping, throwing or bouncing a ball, push ups, sit ups, etc.
What should I do if a peer seems really depressed or states they want to harm or kill themselves?
Tell an adult right away! Please do not keep secrets.
If the adult does not assist, keep asking until you find someone who can help.
You can call the local mobile crisis hotline or 988 as well.
Is there a time we should call 911 if at home or in the community if we are worried about someone's mental health?
Why do some people take medicine for mental health?
There are medicines for physical health and for mental health.
Often if we are stressed, our brain chemicals and processes change at least temporarily, and some medicines help fix that.
Also some medications are needed for some symptoms, such as difficulty concentration, sleeping, etc.