Let's Be Real!... (myth or fact)
True or false: Mental Health Issues are rare
Myth: Approximately 1 in 5 people between the ages of 15 and 24 report a mental disorder, or learning disability.
This disorder is a combination of drastic mood swings
Bi-Polar Disorder
True or False- admitting that something is wrong is giving up on yourself.
FALSE. Admitting you are having problems is often very hard to do, and asking for help is a sign of strength and willingness to work through what you are experiencing.
Are you helping your friend if they come talk to you?
Yes. By being open and letting them vent about what's going on, you are helping to alleviate their stress and get things off of their chest. You are not a professional (or maybe you are, who knows), and you can't expect to have all the answers. Sometimes just listening is all they need.
She is an American singer and actress. She has 16 teen choice awards, and an American music award. Her most popular song being, "Come and get it." She has depression and anxiety and she's very passionate about mental health. Who is she?
Selena Gomez
People with mental illnesses will not get better
Myth. Once diagnosed, mental illness is treatable. While it is not usually “cured”, it can be effectively managed. Most people with mental disorders live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their mental illness.
Name 3 types of mental illnesses.
Anxiety, depression, bi-polar, PTSD, anorexia, schizophrenia etc.
Name 3 places/people you can go to talk to if you are having a hard time or think you might have a mental health problem.
Counselor, teacher, friends, family, trusted adult, etc.
True of false- If your friend tells you that they are going to harm themselves and they make you promise to keep it a secret, you should always respect their wishes and keep it a secret.
False. If you are concerned for their safety, tell someone. Talk to someone who can help. It is better to have a friend who is alive and mad at you than to lose a friend. If you think they are serious about attempting suicide, do not be afraid to call 911.
This man was an American stand up comedian and actor. He was in 68 movies like "Ms. Doubtfire." He suffered from severe depression and took his own life in 2014 at the age of 63. Who is he?
Robin Williams
Mental disorders are a consequence of bad parenting or personal weakness.
Myth. The main risk factors for mental illness are not bad parenting or personal weakness but rather genetics, severe and prolonged stress (such as physical or sexual abuse), or other environmental influences, and brain chemistry.
This disorder is characterized by depression and anxiety as well as flashbacks. It is common among victims of crimes and people in the military.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
True or false- Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health problems.
False. Medication can be helpful, and is sometimes necessary depending on the severity of the issue, but other methods such as therapy and counselling can also be very helpful. Talk to a doctor about all of your different options.
True/ False- Talking to your friends alone can help cure them from a mental illness.
False. Temporarily you can make them feel better, but if there is an underlying cause making them feel bad, you can't fix it on your own. Sometimes helping a friend through something like this is challenging and frustrating because you cannot instantly make everything better. Being patient is key, and realizing that they need to be able to work out their own problem is needed to avoid burning yourself out. You can be a huge support for them, but ultimately you cannot fix everything.
He is a singer that is know around the world. He was a former member of the band "One Direction" and is still strong to this day. One of his most famous songs is "Pillowtalk." He had an an eating disorder called anorexia, and with support, he beat it! Who is he?
Zayn Malik
If someone in your family has a mental illness, you are more likely to develop one as well.
Fact. Although you will not necessarily develop any kind of mental illness, if someone in your family has a mental disorder you will be at higher risk. So, if you start to experience the symptoms of a mental disorder it will be important for you to see a health provider as soon as possible to determine if you have a problem that will require treatment.
What event is this describing?..." sweating, nausea, trembling and numbness in the legs or hands, dizziness, hot or cold flashes, a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, hyperventilation, “jelly” legs or blurred vision can develop. Individuals may even feel like they are going to die of a heart attack" What Event does this describe?
Panic Attack/ Anxiety attack
Name 3 things you can do to help a friend who thinks they may have a mental health problem.
Listen to them, spend time with them, encourage them to seek help, go with them to appointments/ help them make appointments, show them that you care :), if it is serious tell someone, don't judge, ask someone for advice
This celebrity is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She has won 53 awards in her career life. Her most popular song being, "Heart Attack." The mental illness she has is Bipolar disorder. A mental illness marked by extreme shifts in mood. Who is she?
Demi Lovato.
True or False: It's a good idea to start abusing substances when you find out you have a mental illness.
Myth: If you start abusing substances, you will not only ruin your health, but you illness will get worse.
What are symptoms of anorexia?
Not eating enough, looks too skinny, thinks that they are too fat, etc
Which phone line can you reach out to get help?
Suicide Hot Line
Name 3 reason why people hesitate to get help
They don't want to "burden anyone else with their problems", it is hard to talk about, it makes them feel vulnerable, fear of being judged, stigma, don't know who to tell, don't think the problem is "serious enough", asking for help is "giving up", no resources available Facts: Your friends (and your don) will feel worse if you don't come talk to them if you need help/ need to talk. They are your friends (and your don) for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad! don't be afraid to talk about it!
This worldwide famous woman is a talk show host, author, and actress. She is a very kind-hearted individual who has donated over 3 billion dollars to many assortment of charities. She also suffered from depression and anxiety. Who is she?
Oprah Winfrey