Mental Health & The Brain
Which two chemicals in the brain are most often linked to mood regulation and depression?
What are serotonin and dopamine?
What is the difference between sadness and clinical depression?
What is sadness is temporary, while depression is persistent and affects functioning?
Name one reason why self-harm is used as a coping mechanism.
What is to feel relief from emotional numbness or intense feelings?
What is stigma in the context of mental health?
What is a negative attitude or stereotype about people with mental illness?
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
What is a psychiatrist can prescribe medication; a psychologist provides therapy and assessments?
What is the prefrontal cortex responsible for in mental health functioning?
What is decision-making, impulse control, and regulating emotions?
What is a diagnosis that can be described as severe anxiety from previous traumatic experiences?
What is PTSD?
What is the term for when someone uses food to manage emotions, rather than hunger?
What is emotional eating?
How can language like "crazy" or "psycho" contribute to stigma?
What is it reinforces harmful stereotypes and discourages people from seeking help?
What is exposure therapy commonly used to treat?
What is phobias, PTSD, and anxiety disorders?
How does chronic stress affect the brain over time?
What is it can shrink the hippocampus, impair memory, and increase anxiety?
Why is self-diagnosing mental health conditions based on social media or online quizzes potentially harmful?
What is it can lead to incorrect assumptions, missed proper treatment, and increased anxiety about symptoms?
Why might a student become addicted to overworking or perfectionism?
What is to gain a sense of control, self-worth, or avoid emotional pain?
What role does culture play in how mental health is understood or accepted?
What is some cultures may view it as weakness, shameful, or not real?
Name one reason someone might stop treatment even if it’s working.
What is fear of stigma, cost, denial, or side effects of medication?
What brain chemical is released during stress and can lead to physical health issues if elevated long-term?
What is cortisol?
What is “high-functioning” anxiety or depression?
What is appearing fine externally while struggling mentally?
What is the act of writing down your thoughts and emotions in order to be mindful of your behaviors?
What is journaling?
Why are mental health conversations important in schools?
What is they reduce stigma and promote early intervention and support?
What is psychoeducation and why is it important in mental health treatment?
What is teaching individuals about their mental health condition to increase awareness, reduce fear, and improve treatment outcomes?
What is neuroplasticity and how can it help in mental health recovery?
What is the brain's ability to change and form new connections, allowing for healing and learning new patterns?
What’s one reason mental illness is underdiagnosed in male students?
What is stigma around emotions or cultural expectations of masculinity?
What is the long-term risk of using substances like alcohol or vaping to cope with emotional pain?
What is developing addiction, worsening mental health, and avoiding true emotional healing?
How can schools actively reduce the stigma around mental health?
What is by promoting open conversations, mental health education, and normalizing asking for help?
What is the role of medication in treating mental health conditions?
What is medication can help balance brain chemicals to reduce symptoms?