Sleep, Body & Brain
Teens generally need this many hours of sleep each night for optimal mental health.
What is 8–10 hours?
About this percentage of adults in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness each year.
What is approximately 20%?
Stigma can prevent people from seeking help; studies show nearly this percentage of adults with mental illness do not get treatment.
What is 60%?
Fun fact: Smiling, even when you’re not happy, can trick your brain into releasing these mood-boosting chemicals
What are endorphins
Eating dark chocolate can improve mood because it increases levels of this “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
What is serotonin
The stage of sleep most associated with vivid dreaming is called this.
What is REM sleep?
This mood disorder affects roughly twice as many women as men.
What is depression?
Fun fact: Talking to a friend about your feelings can increase these “feel-good” hormones by up to 27%.
What are oxytocin levels?
Research shows that walking for just 20 minutes can improve mood and reduce anxiety by boosting blood flow to this organ
What is the brain
Research shows that regular exercise, even 20–30 minutes a day, can reduce symptoms of this mental health condition.
What is depression
Physical activity improves mental health partly by releasing these natural “feel-good” chemicals.
What are endorphins?
This term describes the scientific study of how genes and environment affect mental health.
What is behavioral genetics?
This type of campaign often uses social media, public service announcements, or events to reduce stigma and educate the public.
What is a mental health awareness campaign?
Fun fact: People who spend 30 minutes with pets daily show lower levels of this stress hormone.
What is cortisol
Research shows that looking at cute animal pictures can improve focus and productivity. This is sometimes called “the puppy effect.”
What is improved attention or concentration
This system connects your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body.
What is the nervous system?
Research shows that people with strong social connections have a lower risk of dying early—about this percentage lower.
What is 50%
According to research, people who regularly check in on friends and family are less likely to develop severe mental health issues by about this percentage.
What is 20–25%?
Fun fact: Listening to music you enjoy can trigger the brain to release this neurotransmitter, improving mood and motivation.
What is dopamine
Writing down your worries for about 10 minutes a day can help reduce stress and improve this cognitive skill.
What is problem-solving
Long-term sleep deprivation can increase the risk of this mood disorder.
What is depression?
This common mental health condition affects about 1 in 5 teens in the U.S., often starting before age 14.
What is anxiety disorder
Fun fact: Studies show practicing gratitude daily can increase happiness levels by about this percentage.
What is 25%?
Studies suggest that people who write down three things they are grateful for daily can increase overall happiness by this approximate percentage within a few weeks.
What is 25%
Singing, humming, or chanting can reduce stress and lower this measurement of cardiovascular strain.
What is blood pressure