Mental Health Basics
What does "stigma" mean in mental health?
Stigma refers to negative attitudes or discrimination toward people with mental health conditions
True or False: Taking medication for mental illness means you're weak and giving into a Western agenda
False. Medication is a legitimate treatment, just like for physical illnesses
Which of these is NOT a way to help a friend with mental health struggles? A) Listening without judgment B) Encouraging them to see a professional C) Forcing them to ‘cheer up’ D) Checking in regularly
Answer: C – Forcing them to ‘cheer up’ is not helpful...and not possible.
True or False: It is selfish to set boundaries when supporting someone with mental health struggles.
False. Boundaries help maintain well-being while supporting others. You have to be realistic instead of idealistic when it comes to support.
What is the mental health crisis hotline number people can call in Sri Lanka?
1926 or or 1333 - Sumithrayo.
True or False: Mental health issues are rare.
False. 1 in 8 people worldwide has a mental disorder.
True or False: Using your phone too much will give you a mental illness
False, Excessive screen time can contribute to anxiety, but mental illness is caused by multiple factors
True or False: As an ally, you should always give advice when someone opens up about mental health.
False. Listening and validating are more important than advice-giving
Which of the following self-care activities is backed by research? A) Meditation B) Socializing C) Spending time in nature D) All of the above
Answer: D – All of the above.
If someone has a panic attack, what is one grounding technique you can suggest?
he 5-4-3-2-1 method: Identify five things you see, four you touch, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste.
True or False: Mental health is the absence of mental illness.
False. Mental health includes emotional well-being, resilience, and coping skills, not just the absence of illness.
True or False: Therapy is only for people with severe mental illness and trauma
False. Therapy benefits everyone, including those facing stress or life changes
What is an example of ableist language that an ally should avoid?
A) "That test made me so depressed."
B) "He's acting bipolar today."
C) "She’s totally OCD about her notes."
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Which of these cultural self-care practices are common in Sri Lanka? A) Ayurvedic treatments
B) Meditation and mindfulness
C) Engaging in religious/spiritual activities
D) All of the above
D – All of the above.
Name three NGO's dedicated towards Mental Health in Sri Lanka
CAFS, Sumitrayo, Kalyana
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the recognition of different ways of thinking, including ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, promoting acceptance and inclusion.
True or False: People with anxiety should just “calm down” or “think positively.”
False. Anxiety is a medical condition, and telling someone to "calm down" is unhelpful.
Your coworker has been acting withdrawn and missing deadlines. You suspect they are struggling with their mental health. What should you do?
A) Gossip about their behavior to warn others
B) Ask them privately how they’re feeling and offer support
C) Ignore it because it’s not your problem
D) Report them to HR immediately
Answer: B – Ask them privately how they’re feeling and offer support.
You feel exhausted and overwhelmed, but you don’t have time for a vacation. What is a small, effective self-care practice you can do daily?
Mindful breathing, journaling, stretching, or taking short breaks
What is a ‘safety plan’ in mental health support?
A written plan that includes coping strategies and emergency contacts
what is "comorbidity"?
the simultaneous presence of two or more medical conditions in a patient (those who are depressed are likely to have anxiety, those with bipolar are likely to be borderline, those who have OCD are likely to have anxiety and depression)
True or false; suicide is a 100% preventable
True.
What is victim blaming in the context of mental health?
a social psychological phenomenon in which individuals or groups attempt to cope with the burden of a diagnosis of an individual by assigning blame to the very same individual for developing said diagnosis.
True or False: Self-care is only about relaxation.
False. Self-care includes physical, emotional, and social well-being, such as healthy eating, exercise, and setting boundaries.)
Does Sri Lanka have a mental health policy?
We do! Its 7 pages long with a typo on page 1.