MISC
True or False: The brain can affect the way the body functions but the body cannot affect the way the brain functions
False. The brain and body are an interconnected system.
True or False: Most people with Mental Illness are too disabled to work.
FALSE
Lots of people with mental illnesses maintain jobs and careers, just like those who do not have mental illnesses.The brain matures at approximately ____ years of age.
25
Who at your school is specifically trained to help students who are struggling with a mental health problem or illness?
Guidance Counsellor or social worker
...but, you can always go to a trusted adult for support who can help you make an appointment with a counsellor or social worker.
This illness has the following symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
True or False: Everyone's mood fluctuates up and down naturally.
True.
Please state one myth about mental illness.
Common Myths
More violent
Not successful
Treatment will not work
Too disabled to work
Not reliable
Can just snap out of it
Don't try hard enough
Lazy
This organ acts to control the functioning of the heart, lungs and fingers.
The Brain
If you are going through a problem, mentally or physically, who should be your first point of contact?
A Trusted Adult
This illness has the following symptoms: lack of energy, low mood, feels like living in a fog and withdrawing from friends, activities and family.
Depression
True or False: Genetic problems and infections can cause the brain to get sick and stop functioning normally.
True: Genes and the environment both play a role in how healthy one's brain is.
Name a famous person (actor, pro athlete, president, singer, etc) who lives (has lived) with mental illness. Also, name their illness.
Example: Jim Carrey - Depression
The invisible barrier that prevents many people from getting the help they need.
Stigma.
Stigma can be invisible (judgement from others) or be visible, like the prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping that happens to people living with mental illness.
Who can you go to for help with a mental health problem or illness in your community outside of school?
A trusted adult, social worker, family doctor, therapist or psychologist.
This illness is characterized by extreme highs and very low lows.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder fluctuated between states of depression and mania.
People often confuse a split personality with this other mental illness.
Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Treating someone unjustly because they live with a mental illness is an example of:
Discrimination
True or False: Vitamins and Meditation are good treatment options for most mental illnesses.
FALSE
True or False: Good relationships and exercise help to promote good mental health.
True.
A healthy network of key adults in your corner is essential to survive and thrive. Keeping active is not only good for your body, but it is also good for your brain as well.
Name the disorder that is a malfunction in the signalling part of the brain.
Anxiety
Anxiety is when our Fight or Flight system is broken and it gets triggered when we have no real threat.
Feeling scrutinized and constantly judged by others is a symptom of what mental illness?
Social Anxiety Disorder
Thinking people with a mental illness are all the same is an example of:
Stereotyping
True or False: Most people who go through a traumatic experience will develop a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
False.
In fact, a small portion of people who go through a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Most will bounce back and many will develop Post Traumatic Growth.
The goal of treatment is for the individual to ________.
Recover
Recovery is when the symptoms and the impairment of the illness have reduced to the point the individual can do the things they enjoy and it has little to no effect on their family, social network/friends, school/work and sleep.
Give an example of a physical and psychological treatment option for someone living with a mental illness.
Physical: Medication in the form of an antidepressant
Psychological: Psychotherapy in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy