Mental Health & Stigma
What does it mean to experience mental health stigma?
Negative attitudes, stereotypes, or discrimination toward people with mental health conditions.
What is one way social media can negatively affect a person's self-esteem?
Comparing themselves to edited photos, idealized lifestyles, or other people's carefully selected posts.
What gas released by burning fossil fuels is a major contributor to human-caused climate change?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
What does gender equality mean?
People of all genders have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.
What is one example of an accessibility feature that helps people with disabilities?
A wheelchair ramp, elevator, captions, screen reader, or braille signage.
Name one healthy way to manage stress or support your mental health.
Talking to someone you trust, exercising, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, or seeking professional support.
What is cyberbullying?
Bullying or harassing someone through digital platforms, such as social media, messaging apps, or online games.
Name one renewable energy source that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar, wind, hydropower, or geothermal energy.
What is a gender stereotype? Give one example.
An assumption about how someone should act based on gender, such as believing that men should not express sadness or that women are naturally worse at math.
Why should videos shared in class or at campus events include captions?
Captions improve access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and can also help people watching in noisy environments or learning a language.
True or false: Mental health conditions are a sign of personal weakness.
False. Mental health conditions can affect anyone and are influenced by a range of biological, psychological, and social factors.
What is an algorithm's role in shaping what you see on social media?
It uses signals such as past activity and engagement to rank or recommend content, influencing what users see.
What is environmental justice?
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decisions, regardless of race, income, or background.
What is the gender pay gap?
The difference between the average earnings of people of different genders. It can reflect multiple factors, including occupation, hours worked, discrimination, and access to advancement.
What is the difference between a visible disability and a non-visible disability?
A visible disability may be readily apparent, while a non-visible disability may not be immediately noticeable. Examples of non-visible disabilities can include chronic illnesses, some learning disabilities, and certain mental health conditions.
What is the difference between supporting a friend who is struggling with their mental health and trying to act as their therapist?
Supporting a friend means listening without judgment, showing care, and encouraging professional help when appropriate. Acting as their therapist means taking on a role that requires professional training.
What is misinformation, and how can you check whether a social media post is reliable?
Misinformation is false or inaccurate information, regardless of intent. Check the original source, publication date, supporting evidence, and whether credible independent sources confirm it.
Why can low-income communities be disproportionately affected by pollution and extreme weather?
They may face greater exposure to pollution, live in areas more vulnerable to flooding or heat, and have fewer resources to prepare for or recover from disasters.
What is the difference between equality and equity?
Equality means providing the same rights or resources, while equity means addressing different barriers and needs so people have fair opportunities.
What does universal design mean, and how can it benefit people without disabilities too?
Designing spaces, products, and experiences to be usable by as many people as possible from the start. Examples include curb cuts that also help people with strollers and captions that help people in noisy spaces.
A student is afraid to seek counseling because they worry their classmates will judge them. What is one way their campus community could help reduce this stigma?
Normalize conversations about mental health, share information about counseling resources, challenge harmful stereotypes, and create a supportive, confidential environment.
A video of a person making an offensive comment goes viral, and thousands of people begin posting their personal information. What is this practice often called, and what is one potential harm?
Doxxing, when private or identifying information is exposed without consent. It can lead to harassment, threats, and risks to personal safety. Public criticism does not justify exposing someone's private information.
What does the term climate justice emphasize beyond simply reducing global temperatures?
It emphasizes fairness in who experiences climate change's harms, who contributes to the problem, who has resources to adapt, and who participates in climate decisions.
During a group project, a woman repeatedly gets interrupted while a male teammate receives credit for her ideas. Name one form of bias at work and one action the group could take.
Gender bias. Group members can acknowledge who originally contributed each idea, ensure everyone has time to speak, and address interruptions respectfully.
A student using a wheelchair cannot enter a student organization's event because the only entrance has stairs. Why is this an accessibility issue, and what is one way to address it?
The physical environment creates a barrier to equal participation. The organizers could move the event to an accessible venue or provide a safe, accessible entrance and route.