Myth or Fact
Depression & loneliness is normal in adults
MYTH.
Depression and loneliness is NOT normal in adults, it's common but it's not normal to have and you or loved ones should ask for help
This disorder is associated with forgetting things VERY often, unable to recall details of recent events or conversations, unable to recognize or know the names of family members. What is it?
Dementia / Alzheimer's
True or False - Seeking help for mental illness will lead to making symptoms worse.
DAILY DOUBLE!
False.
When you do have the strength, courage and bravery to open up to someone else, you are working to alleviate the stigma, increase awareness, empower yourself, grow as a person, and promote understanding of mental health. So don’t let others perceptions scare you from getting the help you need.
Yes or No - Are you helping your friend if they come talk to you and you don't have any advice to give them?
Yes.
By being open and letting them vent about what's going on, you are helping to alleviate their stress and get things off of their chest. You are not a professional (or maybe you are, who knows), and you can't expect to have all the answers. Sometimes just listening is all they need.
It’s too late to improve mental health
MYTH
It's never too late to improve your mental health and receive the help you need
Name 3 symptoms of depression.
Name 3 people you can go talk to if you are having a hard time
Doctor – Social Work – Case Manager – Patient Advocate – BHTs – Nurses – Activity Therapists – Peers-Family – Calling your support system over the phone
True or False - If your friend tells you that they are going to harm themselves and they make you promise to keep it a secret, you should always respect their wishes and keep it a secret.
False.
If you are concerned for their safety, tell someone. Talk to someone who can help. It is better to have a friend who is alive and mad at you than to lose a friend. If you think they are serious about attempting suicide, do not be afraid to call 911.
Stigmatizing mental health symptoms prevents people from seeking help
FACT
Many people don't speak up about the challenges they face or accept the help they need due to the negative stigma there is with mental health
True or False these signs are nothing to worry about?
changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
Feeling excessively sad or low
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Difficulty concentrating
False
These signs can be concerning if they are happening very often and are affecting your lifestyle
True or False - Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health issues.
False.
Medication can be helpful, and is sometimes necessary depending on the severity of the issue, but other methods such as physical activities, therapy and counselling can also be very helpful. Talk to a doctor about all of your different options.
True or False - If you find the right words to say and spend enough time with them, you can assist your friend in ridding them of their mental health issue.
DAILY DOUBLE!
False.
Temporarily you can make them feel better, but if there is an underlying cause making them feel bad, you CAN'T fix it on your own. Sometimes helping a friend through something like this is challenging and frustrating because you cannot instantly make everything better. You should encourage them to receive the proper care they need
If someone in your family has a mental illness, you are more likely to develop one as well.
Fact.
Although you will not necessarily develop any kind of mental illness, if someone in your family has a mental disorder you will be at higher risk.
True or False: You should only receive help once you are severely ill
DAILY DOUBLE!
FALSE
Once you experience symptoms constantly and last for more than 2 weeks that could be a sign of a mental health condition.
True or False - Exercise can help you improve your health
TRUE
Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
Name 3 things you can do to help a friend who thinks they may have a mental health issue.
Listen to them - Spend time with them - Encourage them to seek help - Go with them to appointments/Help them make appointments - Show them that you care – Don’t judge – Ask someone for advice – If it is serious, tell someone
Mental Health can only affect Adults due to all the responsibilities that they have
MYTH
Mental health problems are very common, anyone can experience them. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
What event is this describing? "Sweating, nausea, trembling and numbness in the legs or hands, dizziness, hot or cold flashes, a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, hyperventilation, “jelly” legs or blurred vision can develop. Individuals may even feel like they are going to die of a heart attack".
Panic attack / Anxiety attack
True or False - therapy and other treatments are a waste of time
False.
Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both. Many individuals work with a support system during the healing and recovery process, but it can definitely make a difference in improving your mental health
Name 3 reason why people hesitate to get help.
-They don't want to "burden anyone else with their problems"
– It is hard to talk about
– It makes them feel vulnerable
– Fear of being judged
– Stigma
– Don't know who to tell
– Don't think the problem is "serious enough"
– Asking for help is "giving up"
– No resources available
Facts: Your friends will feel worse if you don't come talk to them if you need help / need to talk. They are your friends for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad! Don't be afraid to talk about it!