Mental Health Vocabulary 🧠
What do we call the things we do to help manage stress, strong emotions, and difficult situations?
What are coping skills?
True or False: Everyone experiences mood swings sometimes, and it is normal to feel both excited and sad.
What is true?
Name one trusted adult you could talk to if you or a friend were struggling.
Possible answers include who is a parent, teacher, school counselor, principal, family member, or minister?
Name one coping skill you can use at school when you feel stressed or frustrated.
Possible answers include What is taking deep breaths, counting to 10, using positive self-talk, drawing or doodling, asking for a break, or talking to a trusted adult.
What is it called when you understand and share another person's experiences and emotions?
What is empathy?
Name two emotional warning signs that someone may be struggling and need support.
Possible answers include what is hopelessness, constant negativity, irritability, anxiety, or always feeling tired?
What three actions does the slideshow recommend when helping a friend who may be thinking about suicide?
What is listen, stay calm, and get help?
Name two healthy coping skills you can use at home.
Possible answers include What is listening to music, walking outside, writing down feelings, drawing, spending time with a pet, talking to someone you trust, taking a break from social media, or practicing mindfulness.
What does it mean to show compassion toward someone?
What is caring about others and treating them with kindness?
Name two changes in behavior or daily habits that could indicate someone is struggling.
Possible answers include what is isolation, changes in eating or sleeping habits, changes in personality, changes in school performance, or risky behavior?
A friend tells you they are thinking about hurting themselves and begs you not to tell anyone. What should you do?
What is tell a trusted adult and never promise to keep a secret when someone's safety may be at risk?
You are frustrated after receiving a disappointing grade. Instead of reacting angrily, you pause and tell yourself, "I can handle this." What coping skill are you using?
What is positive self-talk?
What is depression, and how can it affect someone's daily life?
What is a mood disorder that causes persistent sadness and loss of interest and can interfere with daily functioning?
A student starts isolating themselves, seems hopeless, and gives away belongings. Why should these changes be taken seriously?
What are warning signs that the student is struggling and may need help from a trusted adult or trained professional?
Why is it important to involve a trained adult or professional when someone may be thinking about suicide?
What is the person needs help from someone trained to provide appropriate support and help keep them safe?
A student feels overwhelmed by schoolwork and notices their emotions getting stronger. Name two healthy actions they could take to manage their feelings.
Possible answers include: What is taking slow, deep breaths, counting to 10, asking a teacher for a break, talking to a trusted adult, or using positive self-talk.
What is the difference between sympathy and empathy?
Sympathy means feeling bad for someone who is going through something difficult. Empathy means understanding and sharing another person's experiences or emotions.
A friend says, "I can't take it anymore," and "I won't be here anymore." What should you do?
What is take the statements seriously, stay calm, listen, and tell a trusted adult immediately so the friend can get help?
You notice a classmate has become withdrawn, seems hopeless, and has stopped participating in activities they used to enjoy. They haven't directly asked for help. What should you do, and why?
What is reach out with kindness, listen without judgment, and tell a trusted adult about your concerns. Someone does not have to ask for help directly to need support.
A friend has been feeling sad and hopeless for several days. They have tried listening to music, drawing, and taking walks, but they still feel overwhelmed. What should they do next, and why?
What is talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent or school counselor, because coping skills can help manage emotions, but sometimes additional support is needed.