Mental Health Basics
Feeling nervous, worried, or uneasy about something that might happen in the future is called this.
What is anxiety?
This common drug found in cigarettes and vapes is highly addictive.
What is nicotine?
Taking slow, deep breaths to calm your body is a simple coping technique called this.
What is deep breathing?
Getting about 8–10 hours of this each night is recommended for teenagers.
What is sleep?
If a friend is struggling emotionally, a good first step is to do this: listen without judging.
What is active listening?
This mental health condition often includes persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and low energy.
What is depression?
This substance slows down the brain and body and is found in drinks like beer, wine, and liquor.
What is alcohol?
Writing about your thoughts and feelings in a notebook or app is called this coping skill.
What is journaling?
Eating balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and protein supports both physical and this type of health.
What is mental health?
If someone talks about wanting to harm themselves, the best step is to tell this type of person.
Who is a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, parent)?
Talking to a trained professional about your feelings and challenges is called this type of treatment.
What is therapy (or counseling)?
Using a drug repeatedly even when it causes harm or problems is called this.
What is addiction (or substance use disorder)?
Talking with a trusted adult, friend, or counselor when you're struggling is an example of this type of support.
What is seeking help (or reaching out for support)?
Taking breaks from phones, social media, and screens is sometimes called this type of break.
What is a digital detox (or screen break)?
This national three-digit number in the U.S. connects people to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
What is 988?
This is the term for how we think, feel, and act, and how we handle stress and relationships.
What is mental health?
This type of pressure happens when friends influence someone to try drugs or alcohol.
What is peer pressure?
Physical activities like running, walking, or playing sports can help reduce this common mental health experience.
What is stress?
Doing activities you enjoy like art, music, or hobbies can improve your mood and reduce this.
What is stress (or anxiety)?
Encouraging a friend to talk to a counselor or therapist is helping them seek this.
What is professional help?
This important skill involves recognizing and managing your emotions and understanding others’ feelings.
What is emotional intelligence?
This term describes needing more of a substance over time to get the same effect.
What is tolerance?
A coping strategy where you focus on the present moment without judging your thoughts or feelings is called this.
What is mindfulness?
Setting limits on what you will and won’t accept from others is known as setting these.
What are boundaries?
When someone shows kindness and understanding toward another person’s feelings, it’s called this.
What is empathy?