Managing Mental Health :)

School

100

How does school impact mental health?

Answers vary (ex: stress about grades, comparison to others, social conflicts, feeling overwhelmed by business, ashamed about doing poorly)

200

True or false: In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 20% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

False

The number was actually higher, 40% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and the number may have risen by 2026

300

What is an example of an accommodation colleges can give students who have mental health struggles?

Answers vary (Ex: extra time on tests, separate testing locations, note-taking support, access to audiobooks, priority registration, single rooms, service animals, approved absences etc.)

400

What could schools do to help students better manage their mental health?

Answers vary (ex: hire multiple guidance counselors, provide extensions if necessary, check-in with students who are struggling, fidgets in class, better educate faculty on mental health)

Strategies

100

What strategy are we learning about today that improves our mental health?

Gratitude!

200

What is a coping skill?

Coping skills are conscious thoughts and behaviors used to manage, reduce, or tolerate stress, trauma, and difficult emotions. 

300

Name 3 things we can do to improve our mental health

Answers vary (ex: going outside, exercising, hanging out with friends, listening to music, get a sweet treat, watching tv, journaling etc.)

400

What strategy relating to gratitude is the practice of intentionally focusing attention on the present moment with an attitude of openness, curiosity, and non-judgment

Mindfulness

Effects

100

True or false: Globally, it is estimated that one in seven 10–19-year-olds experience mental health conditions

True

Mental health conditions are more common than most people think and it is important to reach out when you're struggling because a large amount of teenagers go untreated.

200

What are 2 ways poor mental health can affect people's lives?

Answers vary (ex: poor sleep, tiredness, less motivation, not going to school, substance use, loneliness, fighting with loved ones etc.)

300

How might mental health impact physical health?

Answers vary (Ex: poor mental health often leads to poor lifestyle habits such as: unhealthy diet, reduced physical activity, digestion issues, headaches, weakened immune system, amongst other things) 

400

Why might someone not reach out when they're struggling?

Answers vary (Ex: stigma, cost, accessibility, misinformation, guilt/shame, not believing they need it, distrust etc.)