Risk Factors
What is the definition of risk factors when it comes to mental health?
things that can increase your chance of developing a mental illness
What are some examples of self care?
- talking to your friends, family and other trusted adults
- doing something you enjoy just for you (craft, reading, playing video games etc.)
- taking care of your physical health (maintaining hygiene, exercising, sleeping well)
What are the most common mental illnesses?
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
PTSD
Eating Disorders
Are there mental health services available in Montreal for youth?
Yes!
Who can be affected by mental health issues?
Everybody!
Is watching hours and hours of tiktok considered self care?
No! watching every now and then is totally fine but endlessly watching can do more harm than good and cause you to become numb
What are some symptoms of depression?
Anhedonia (listlessness, losing interest in things you once enjoyed doing)
Lack of motivation
Lack of appetite or excessive appetite
Lack of sleep, excessive sleep, or inability to sleep
Loss of connections (friends, family, school...)
Feeling numb
Self-harm
Negative self-talk
Insecurity
etc...
What services or people are available to you in school?
- guidance counsellors
- teachers
- school staff
Does genetics affect someone's likelihood of developing a mental illness?
Yes!
One's family history of mental illness and trauma can slightly or significantly affect one's chance of developing mental health issues. It is usually a combination of both environmental and genetic influences that lead to someone's mental health issues. This could be developmental disorders, or diseases.
What is burnout and some causes of it?
Being exhausted, using up more energy than what your body has, feeling emotionally depleted, feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope like you used to
Causes:
- academic pressure
- family instability or conflict
- discrimination
- poverty
etc.
What are some symptoms of anxiety?
- feeling irritable
- feeling worried
- restlessness
- trouble sleeping
- oversleeping
- change in appetite
- physical symptoms: stomachache, headache, shakiness, dizziness
- etc.
What can and can't stay confidential when you talk to a professional?
Mostly everything you say will stay confidential between you and your professional. They have to legally tell someone when they feel that you are posing serious danger to yourself or others
What environmental factors puts somebody more at risk for developing mental health issues?
Unstable home life
Unstable school life
Being exposed to trauma
The change of the seasons
The state of the world
Excessive social media use
etc...
How many hours do most youth need a night?
a. 3-5
b. 5-6
c. 9-12
d. 15
C. 9-12
What type of disorder is the following:
- anorexia
- bulimia
- binge eating
Eating disorders
What is a mental health hotline and the purpose of it?
A phone number you can call at any time when you feel that you are in a mental health crisis. The purpose is to provide immediate, free, confidential, support and crisis intervention.
Kids Help Phone:
TEXT connect to 686868
Message online through their website
CALL with a counsellor
1-800-668-6868
What are some things you could do to reduce the affect of risk factors?
Talk about it with a friend, counsellor, trusted adult, etc.
Lessen your exposure to the triggering events/people
Channel your emotions into a creative outlet
Self care
Educate yourself and others on preventative measures and solutions
etc...
What is mindfulness?
Paying attention to the present moment
What is substance abuse disorder? give one example
Problematic pattern of substance use that affects your physical and mental wellbeing
Examples:
What is an important quality of a trusted adult?
- good listener
- doesn’t judge you
- doesn’t share what you tell them with other people (unless in danger)
- etc.