Myth & Facts
Myth or Fact: Asking someone about suicide “puts the idea in their head.”
What is a myth? Asking directly does NOT increase risk.
Clue: This term means needing more of a substance to get the same effect.
What is tolerance?
Clue: Taking deep breaths, grounding, and progressive muscle relaxation are examples of this type of coping skill.
What are calming/physiological coping skills?
This mood disorder is associated with symptoms like low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and changes in sleep.
What is depression?
Clue: This grounding skill uses your five senses to bring you into the present moment.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique?
Myth or Fact: Many people believe therapy is only for people with “serious problems.”
What is a myth? Anyone can benefit from therapy.
Clue: This is the most common legal substance used in the U.S.
What is alcohol?
This 5-letter DBT skill helps people get through a crisis without making things worse.
What is ACCEPTS?
Clue: Excessive fear, worry, restlessness, and muscle tension are symptoms of this condition.
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
Which of the following celebrities has reported seeking treatment for post-partum depression and anxiety in 2017? a. Mila Kunis b. Jessica Simpson c. Chrissy Teigen d. Jennifer Garner
C. What is Chrissy Teigen?
True or false: People with mental health disorders can just “snap out of it.”
What is false? Mental health conditions are not a choice.
Clue: This part of the brain—responsible for decision-making—is weakened by substance use.
What is the prefrontal cortex? (Wise Mind/Logical Mind)
Clue: Journaling thoughts helps you challenge thinking errors and gain clarity. This is an example of this kind of coping strategy.
What is cognitive coping (mindfulness)?
Clue: This diagnosis involves alternating episodes of depression and mania or hypomania.
What is bipolar disorder?
Which of the following pair of celebrities suffers from PTSD? a. Whoopi Goldberg and Lady Gaga b. Kanye West and George Clooney c. Demi Lovato and Derek Jeter d. Kylie Jenner and Justin Bieber
A. What is Whoopi Goldberg and Lady Gaga
Myth or Fact: “Depression only happens after something bad”
What is a myth? Depression can occur due to biology, stress, or no clear reason at all.
Clue: This phrase describes the cycle where a person uses substances to cope with stress, but the use creates more stress.
What is the addiction cycle?
Clue: Exercising, showering, cleaning, or going for a walk fall under this category of mood-boosting coping skills
What are behavioral activation skills?
Clue: Avoidance of reminders, hypervigilance, nightmares, and intrusive memories are symptoms of this trauma-related disorder.
What is PTSD?
Which of the following individuals in the spotlight has publicly spoken about attending treatment for depression and grief? a. Taylor Swift b. Prince Harry c. Angelina Jolie d. Kanye West
B. What is Prince Harry?
Myth or Fact: Anxiety says that worrying constantly will “prepare you for the worst.”
What is a myth? Excessive worrying does not prevent negative outcomes.
This “C” word refers to the behaviors, people, emotions, or places that trigger urges to use.
What are cravings or cues?
Identifying an emotion, naming it, and validating it is an example of this kind of DBT interpersonal effectiveness tool.
What is the DEAR MAN or emotion regulation skill set?
Clue: This disorder involves difficulty regulating emotions, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, and impulsive behaviors.
What is borderline personality disorder?
Please describe what a crisis plan is and what its main functions are.
A crisis intervention plan is a personalized, proactive strategy designed to help individuals navigate mental health emergencies safely and effectively. It outlines clear steps for what to do, who to contact, and how to manage intense emotions or behaviors during a crisis. This could include warning signs, grounding techniques, emergency contacts, preferred treatment settings, and support resources.