Mental Health & Pop Culture
Name two female athletes that prioritized their mental health and made the decision to not compete in major competitions
Simone Biles & Naomi Osaka
Name 3 coping skills that someone can use to manage their anxiety
Deep breathing, art, talking with a trusted support, going on a walk, journaling
At what age is your brain fully developed?
25
You’re feeling overwhelmed and your thoughts are racing. This mindfulness skill helps you slow down and take a pause before reacting.
STOP skill
What does it mean to set a healthy boundary? Give an example of why this would be needed
A healthy boundary is when one sets clear limits and rules for themselves to protect their overall well-being.
One might need to set a boundary with a friend if they have a big test coming up that they need to study for.
True or False: Major sports teams are required to have a mental health professional on staff
True
Name three people you could reach out to if you or someone you're close to is struggling with their mental health
Close friend, therapist, teacher, family member, religious leader, mentor, boss
Does marijuana impact brain development?
Yes!
You’re stuck in your head imagining worst‑case scenarios. This mindfulness skill helps you step back and look at the situation more clearly.
Checking the facts
What is the most commonly reported stressor for teens?
School
Close behind - social media, family, friendships
Name a popular website for online therapy?
Betterhelp, talkspace
Important: Chatgpt is not a therapist!
Name two unhealthy coping skills and explain why they're unhealthy.
Substance use, isolation, keeping things bottled up, self-harm, risky behaviors/decision making
How many hours of sleep a night do teenagers need?
8-10 hours
*Your brain is really growing at this age!
This mindfulness skill helps you stay grounded by naming things you can see, hear, or feel in the moment.
5-4-3-2-1
True or false: medications typically used for depression in teens have addictive properties
False! This is a very common misconception when it comes to medications used to treat depression. There are no components of the medication that are addictive or create dependence.
Name three celebrities that have been open about their struggles with mental health
Demi Lovato, Simone Biles, Selena Gomez, Naomi Osaka, Beyonce, Adele, Lebron James, Lady Gaga, Ben Simmons, Serena Williams, Justin Bieber
Name the type of provider who typically prescribes medication for mental health
Psychiatrist. But, your primary care doctor is also able to prescribe and manage medication too!
What are at least two types of automatic responses that someone might have from a traumatic event?
Fight, flight, freeze, fawn
This mindfulness practice helps you notice urges like shutting down, yelling, or avoiding without acting on them
Urge Surfing
What are exceptions to confidentiality in therapy?
Someone is at imminent risk of hurting themselves, at imminent risk of hurting others, suspected child abuse, for certain court proceedings when the records are requested by the judge
What artist had a song title with the number for the suicide hotline?
BONUS: What is the NEW number for the suicide hotline?
Logic
Bonus: 988
What is considered the most important component to successful therapy?
A trusting relationship between the therapist and client
What are the three most common physical symptoms of mental health?
This advanced mindfulness idea helps you balance logic and emotion so you can make wise choices.
Wise Mind
Studies link increased passive scrolling (like on Tiktok) with high levels of this common mental health concern for teens.
Bonus: Why is this?
Depression