Real Talk
One thing you can do to calm your body when stressed.
What is deep breathing, listening to music, walking, talking to someone, etc.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
What is a myth?
Why: Reaching out for support actually takes courage and self-awareness. Talking to trusted people can improve coping and reduce stress.
Name something you could do if a friend seems isolated.
What is checking in with a friend who seems withdrawn or down?
This coping skill involves slowly breathing in and out to help calm your body and mind.
What is deep breathing or paced breathing?
This slang term describes endlessly scrolling through negative or stressful content online.
What is doomscrolling?
True or False: Mental health issues are uncommon in teens.
What is FALSE. In 2023, approximately 20% of teens in the U.S. had a current, diagnosed mental health condition.
Having boundaries with friends makes someone a bad friend.
What is a myth?
Why: Saying things like “I need some alone time,” “I can’t text all night,” or “I’m not comfortable with that” helps prevent resentment and burnout. Healthy friendships allow both people to have needs, limits, and balance, not just constant availability.
Name healthy ways to handle feeling overwhelmed.
What is breaking assignments into smaller steps and asking for help?
This healthy habit helps improve mood, energy, focus, and stress levels, and no, scrolling TikTok at 2AM does not count.
What is sleep?
Note: Sleep affects mood, focus, stress levels, and emotional regulation. Lack of sleep can make anxiety, sadness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating worse.
This healthy social media habit includes unfollowing accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
What is setting boundaries online?
Name one physical sign of stress.
What is headaches, stomachaches, trouble sleeping, tense muscles, etc.
You have to feel motivated before starting something difficult.
What is a myth?
Why: Motivation often comes after getting started, not before. Taking small steps, building routines, and doing tasks even when you don’t feel like it can help create momentum and stronger habits over time.
An important action one should do if they’re worried about a friend’s safety.
What is tell a trusted adult even if they asked you not to?
This is the name for activities people do to recharge mentally or emotionally, like listening to music, exercising, or spending time with friends.
What is self-care?
Comparing your real life to someone else’s carefully edited posts can negatively affect this.
What is self-esteem?
(Confidence or self-image will also be accepted)
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress usually has a clear cause; anxiety may continue even without immediate danger.
You can’t always tell how someone is doing emotionally just by looking at them.
What is fact?
Why: Many people hide stress, anxiety, or sadness. Someone may appear happy or “fine” on the outside while struggling internally.
Name some ways to respond to cyberbullying.
What is refusing to join in, supporting the person, or reporting harmful behavior.
Taking a short walk, stretching, or dancing around your room are all examples of this mood-boosting activity.
What is movement or exercise?
This phrase describes how people often post the best parts of their lives online while hiding struggles or difficult moments.
What is a highlight reel?
Communicating limits to protect your wellbeing is called this.
What is setting a boundary?
Mental health can improve, worsen, or change over time.
What is a fact?
Why: Mental health is not permanent or fixed. Life experiences, stress, relationships, coping skills, sleep, support, and treatment can all influence how someone feels over time.
Name some signs someone may need extra support for their mental health.
What is constant exhaustion, irritability, and isolating yourself.
This coping strategy involves focusing on what is happening right now instead of worrying about the past or future.
What is grounding?
(Mindfulness will also be accepted)
When celebrities and athletes openly talk about therapy, anxiety, depression, or stress, they can help reduce shame around mental health.
What is normalizing mental health conversations?
Or raising awareness?
Or reducing stigma?