Mental Health Basics
What is mental health?
Emotional/psychological well-being.
Name one common cause of stress for teens.
School, relationships, family, sports, etc.
What is a mental health stigma?
Negative attitudes/judgment about mental-health concerns.
Name one healthy way to calm down when angry.
Take a break, slow breathing, talk to someone, exercise, etc.
Name one person at school you could talk to for support.
Counselor, psychologist, social worker, teacher, trusted adult, etc.
Name one thing mental health can affect.
Thoughts, feelings, behavior, relationships, school, etc.
True or False: Stress is always bad.
False.
True or False: Stigma can stop people from asking for help.
True.
What should you do before reacting when you're angry?
Pause and think before reacting.
Name one barrier that can prevent someone from getting treatment.
Stigma, cost, transportation, scheduling, fear of judgment, not knowing where to go.
What does "resilience" mean?
Ability to cope with/recover from challenges.
Name two healthy ways to manage stress or anxiety.
Exercise, relaxation, talking to someone, taking breaks, healthy sleep routines, etc.
Why might someone hide a mental health concern?
Embarrassment or fear of judgment.
Name two things that can cause anger or frustration.
Stress, arguments, frustration, feeling misunderstood/unfairly treated, etc.
Name two mental-health professionals who can help students.
Counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, therapist.
Name three factors that can affect a teen's mental health.
School pressure, family issues, bullying, relationships, social pressure, etc.
How can stress affect someone's school performance?
It can make concentrating, completing work, or staying motivated harder.
Give one way schools can reduce mental-health stigma.
Education, open discussions, awareness campaigns, etc.
Why can taking a break from an argument be helpful?
It gives someone time to calm down and respond more thoughtfully.
Name one way schools could make mental-health services easier to access.
Advertise resources, easier scheduling, more counselors, virtual options, etc.
Why is taking care of mental health important even if someone doesn't have a mental illness?
Everyone experiences emotions and stress, so caring for mental health supports overall well-being.
A student feels overwhelmed by school every day. Give two healthy actions they could take.
Talking to a trusted adult/counselor, breaking work into smaller tasks, taking healthy breaks, or using relaxation techniques.
A friend is struggling but is afraid they'll be judged. How could you support them?
Listen without judging, take them seriously, and encourage them to speak with a trusted adult or professional.
A student gets extremely frustrated during an argument. What are three healthy steps they could take?
Pause/step away, calm down with a healthy technique, then communicate calmly.
Name three types of mental-health support available through FCPS/Fairfax County.
Examples include school counselors, psychologists/social workers, Community Services Board counseling, care navigation, or other FCPS/Fairfax County services.