Emotional Well-Being Questions
Name one helpline, website, podcast, or literature that you can go to for support or information on Mental Health/Emotional Well-Being.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
TherapistAid
If you know your friend is suicidal, what should you do?
Go with them to an adult they trust since this is “bigger than the both of you” and if they don’t want to talk to an adult then tell them you’ll reach out for them. (You must go to an adult if their safety is a concern.)
Which famous artist painted “Starry Night” and suffered from mental health issues?
(Answer: Vincent van Gogh)
What is the first step in seeking help for mental health?
(Answer: Acknowledging the problem)
What is one common sign of depression in adults? (If you have experience with depression: what is your warning sign?)
(Answer: Loss of interest in activities)
What’s one thing we can do to distract ourselves during a hard time and what one thing we can do that can help us reflect on our problem?
(Anything they say that’s distracting like video games, sports, working, even substance use and partying and reflecting like talking about it, journaling, thinking about it, praying, making music.)
How can regular “feeling check ins” help us? Give 2 reasons. (like asking "How are you doing/feeling?")
Most importantly, it will help us find our own authentic selves as it helps us become aware of our own emotions. In a group setting where there is a certain comfort level, it can help youth empathize with what other youth may be going through and realize you are not alone.
Who portrayed a character with mental illness in the film “A Beautiful Mind”?
Russell Crowe
What role do hotlines play in mental health support?
(Answer: Provide immediate and anonymous help)
What emotional change might indicate anxiety? (You may also notice behaviors that indicate anxiety)
(Answer: Excessive worrying)
Demonstrate 4 steps of box breathing and explain when you would use it?
Step 1: Breathe in counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs. Step 2: Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 seconds. Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds. Step 4: Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you feel re-centered. Anytime! Breathing deeply is a helpful way to start the day, keep us feeling good, calm us down or help us feel better and relax. It can relieve tension in the body.
How would you help a friend express negative feelings such as sadness, being hurt, frustration?
Create a mindful space by pausing before responding and focusing on the present moment. Use "I" statements to help them frame their emotions without assigning blame. Encourage creative outlets like art, writing, or music to express emotions constructively. Practice gentleness and avoid making emotions your enemy
Who is the musician that openly shared their battles with anxiety, depression and understanding their racial identity? He is also known for his creative campaign about mental health, with a hit single titled "1-800-273-8255" (the Suicide Prevention Hotline).
Logic
Can online therapy be as effective as in-person therapy?
(Answer: Yes, for many individuals)
A student who constantly gets up out of his seat during class, frequently cuts ahead in the lunch line, and often has difficulty finding his school supplies is most likely showing signs of which mental disorder?
ADHD is a mental disorder characterized by difficulty in sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior.
Why is it important to feel our feelings especially the hard feelings like sadness and anger rather than ignore, get rid or numb them?
If we numb our negative feelings we also numb joy and happy feelings. Ignoring and pushing away our feelings can lead to negative coping like taking them out on others, substance use, disordered eating etc. Because of this, it’s important to recognize our feelings and care for them
Why are people hesitant to talk with friends and family about Mental Health? Why does it help if you can?
(Answer: Stigma, Provides support and connection)
Who starred in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and advocates for mental health?
(Answer: Emma Watson)
Why is it crucial to find the right healthcare provider?
(Answer: Ensures effective treatment)
It is important to identify and treat clinical depression because it may lead to ________
Identifying and treating clinical depression is important because it can lead a person to abuse drugs. Depression often causes individuals to seek relief or escape from their emotional pain, and they may turn to substances such as drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
What does it mean to reframe negative thoughts? Please give one example from your experience.
Reframing thoughts is when you actively notice unhelpful thoughts in your mind and reframe them into more useful thoughts such as “I’ll never get this” to “I can do it.”
Your friend expresses they're overwhelmed by a serious mental health concern but refuses to accept help, what can you do?
Listen to them vent rather than giving advice. Be there for them unconditionally. Show them their worth by respecting their boundaries but also remaining supportive and consistent.
American Pop Singer who is a strong advocate for mental health, known for songs "Roar" & "I kissed a Girl" and has spread awareness through viral campaigns such as live streaming her open therapy sessions to the public.
Katty Perry
Why do people become hesitant to seek help for their mental health concerns?
Stigma
What are signs that a person is struggling to cope in a mentally healthy way?
Reacting to challenges with heightened irritability, anger outbursts, avoidance, substance use, or emotional breakdowns may mean someone is unable to cope in a mentally healthy manner.