Myth or Fact
Are mental health issues rare?
Myth! Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 24 report a mental disorder, substance abuse or learning disability.
This disorder is a combination of a manic phase (a sudden onset of exhilaration and excessive good mood), and a depressive phase (feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and prolonged sadness)
Bi-Polar Disorder
What would be the first step towards recovery?
Admitting you are having problems is the first step, it is often very hard to do. Asking for help is a sign of strength and willingness to work through what you are experiencing.
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 and you can't expect to have all the answers. Sometimes just listening is all they need.
Why are bananas curved?
Because they grow towards the sun.
People with a mental health illness do NOT get better.
Myth. Once diagnosed, mental illness is treatable. While it is not usually “cured”, it can be effectively managed. Therapy and other treatments are there to help the recovery process.
Name 3 signs of depression.
feelings of despair and hopelessness, feeling detached from life and those around, you continued fatigue or loss of energy feelings of sadness – crying for no apparent reason, inability to concentrate or make decisions, thoughts of suicide changes in eating or sleeping patterns, persistent or recurring headaches or frequent gastrointestinal upsets, Losing interest in activities that are enjoyed
Name 3 places/people you can go to (at school) to talk to if you are having a hard time or think you might have a mental health problem.
Student Health Services, Personal Counselling, a trusted teacher, the principal, the nurse's office.
True of 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.
What animal sleeps holding hands with the rest of its pack?
otters sleep holding hands with each other to avoid drifting away and getting lost
Mental health disorders are a result of bad parenting or a sign of personal weakness.
Myth. The main risk factors for mental illness are not bad parenting or personal weakness but rather genetics, severe and prolonged stress, abuse, or other environmental influences, and brain chemistry.
This disorder is characterized by depression and anxiety as well as flashbacks. It is common among victims of crimes, abuse, and people in the military.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Is Medication the only treatment method that works for mental health problems?
Medication can be helpful, and is sometimes necessary depending on the severity of the issue, but other methods such as therapy and counselling can also be very helpful. Talk to a doctor about all of your different options.
True/ False- If you find the right words to say and spend enough time with them, you can cause your friend to get better when they are experiencing a mental health issue.
False. Temporarily you can make them feel better, but 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. Being patient is key, and realizing that they need to be able to work out their own problem is needed to avoid burning yourself out. You can be a huge support for them, but ultimately you cannot fix everything.
What is hotter, a blot of lightning or the sun?
A bolt of lighting is 6 times hotter than the sun!
If someone in your family has a mental illness, you will probably have 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. So, if you start to experience the symptoms of a mental disorder it will be important for you to see a health provider as soon as possible to determine if you have a problem that will require treatment.
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. Individuals may even feel like they are going to die of a heart attack"
Panic Attack/ Anxiety attack
Do you need to know exactly what you're going to say and how you're going to say it before you talk to a counselor?
No. Counselors are there to listen to whatever is troubling you, and you can open up to them at a pace that you are comfortable with. Tip: if you feel like you might get nervous and freeze up, it often helps to write things down before your appointment. This also helps you to organize your thoughts and put things in perspective.
Name 3 things you can do to help a friend who thinks they may have a mental health problem.
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, if it is serious tell someone, don't judge, ask someone for advice
what animal is pregnant for 4 years?
A shark can take 4 years to give birth
Men attempt suicide more often than women.
Myth. Females attempt approximately 4 times as often. However, males have a higher rate of death. This is because men tend to use more violent methods.
Name 3 signs that a person could be suicidal
direct suicide threats such as “I want to die,”
indirect threats such as “You would be better off without me”
personality changes or withdrawn behavior/ hoarding medication/ giving away prized possessions/ lack of interest in future plans/ isolation from friends and colleagues/ depression/
Name at least 2 places in the community that could connect you with a mental health professional
The Hispanic Center, Clínica Santa Maria, Roosevelt Ministries, the school you attend.
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
Dogs and elephants are the only animals that understand pointing.