Mental Health Issues are rare
Myth. Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 24 report a mental disorder, substance abuse or learning disability.
Are you helping your friend if they come talk to you and you don't have any advice to give them?
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. Sometimes just listening is all they need.
What's the name of the app that you all have on your iPad for suicide prevention?
Just Ask
People with mental illnesses will not get better.
Myth. Once diagnosed, mental illness is treatable. Most people with mental disorders live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their mental illness.
Name 3 places/people you can go to at school to talk if you are having a hard time or think you might have a mental health problem.
Counseling office, administration, any teacher or staff member, 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.
What's the first name of the official WHS therapy dog?
Walter
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.
True/ False- If you find the right words to say and spend enough time with them, you can cause your friend to get better when they are experiencing a mental health issue.
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. You can be a huge support for them, but ultimately you cannot fix everything.
If you need to sign up the see someone in the counseling office, where would you find that link?
Canvas and the WHS website
The benefits of having a therapy dog in school includes increased attendance, stimulated memory, and better mental health among students.
Fact. All of these benefits stem from the use of therapy dogs in schools.
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
Name one type of relaxation tool found in Mrs. Ritchie's virtual counseling office.
Live animal cameras, coloring, visual relaxation, sound/music, yoga, guided relaxation, etc.
Asking a person about suicide will only increase their risk.
Myth. Asking someone directly about suicide intent lowers anxiety, opens up communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act.
What is the suicide text number?
11111
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
What are the names of the four people in the counseling office?
Mrs. Ritchie, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Moore, & Ms. Smith