Mental Health Basics
This is the professional who diagnoses and treats mental illnesses with therapy.
Who is a therapist or counselor?
Constant sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities are symptoms of this.
What is depression?
Taking slow, deep breaths can reduce this physical response to stress.
What is heart rate (or fight-or-flight response)?
True or False: Mental illness is rare and only affects a small percentage of people.
False – it affects 1 in 5 people.
Drinking enough of this each day improves both body and mind.
What is water?
This mental health condition involves extreme highs and lows of mood.
What is bipolar disorder?
Panic attacks are a symptom of this type of disorder.
What is panic disorder (or anxiety disorder)?
Physical activity like walking or yoga is often used to improve this.
What is mood (or mental health)?
True or False: Asking for help with mental health is a sign of weakness.
False – it’s a sign of strength.
Getting 7–9 hours of this each night is essential for good mental health.
What is sleep?
The most common mental health disorder worldwide, often involving constant worry or fear.
What is anxiety disorder?
Hallucinations and delusions are symptoms commonly linked to this condition.
What is schizophrenia?
Writing down positive thoughts each day is a form of this practice.
What is gratitude journaling?
True or False: Children cannot develop mental health disorders.
False – mental illness can begin in childhood.
Saying “no” when you are overwhelmed is an example of this healthy skill.
What are boundaries?
The chemical messengers in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine, are called this.
What are neurotransmitters?
Extreme fear of being judged by others is a symptom of this anxiety disorder.
What is social anxiety disorder?
Breaking large problems into smaller, manageable steps helps reduce this feeling.
What is overwhelm (or stress)?
True or False: Therapy only works if you’re in crisis.
False – it can help anyone at any stage.
Spending time outdoors in fresh air and sunlight can boost this chemical in the brain.
What is serotonin (or vitamin D production)?
This term describes when someone has both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder.
What is dual diagnosis (or co-occurring disorder)?
Flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance may indicate this disorder.
What is PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)?
This mindfulness practice involves focusing on the present moment without judgment.
What is meditation (or mindfulness)?
True or False: People with mental illness can lead fulfilling, successful lives.
Answer: True.
Setting aside time for enjoyable hobbies supports this important part of mental health.
What is self-care (or emotional well-being)?