Let's Be Real!... (myth or fact)
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.
Restricting food, counting calories, frequently weighing yourself, over-exercising, bingeing and/or purging
What is an Eating 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.
Is it helpful to let a friend vent or talk about their problems without offering solutions?
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.
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 health diagnoses live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their condition.
Feelings of despair and hopelessness, feeling detached from life and those around you, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
What is depression
Name 3 places/people you can go to on-campus to talk to if you are having a hard time or think you might have a mental health problem.
The school nurse, school counselors, the Wellness Center, a trusted teacher
True or 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 an adult 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.
Mental illnesses 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 specific triggers for anxiety as well as flashbacks. Nightmares are common. 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 counseling can also be very helpful. Talk to a doctor or mental health professional about all of your different options.
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. Listening and being supportive is an important part of friendship, however sometimes the issue is bigger than you can solve on your own. You can be a huge support for them, but ultimately you cannot fix everything for someone else. Seek professional help if you or a friend is struggling.
The national animal of Scotland
What is a Unicorn (yes, really!).
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 illness you may be at higher risk. So, if you start to experience symptoms it will be important for you to see a health provider as soon as possible to determine if you could benefit from extra support.
What event is this describing?..." sweating, nausea, racing heart, 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 a trusted adult for advice
Teens who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Truth. LGBTQ+ teens are 4x more likely than their straight peers to feel depressed and/or suicidal due to lack of social acceptance and support. If you're struggling with SI, please reach out for help! If you have a friend or peer who is part of this community, be kind.
Thoughts such as, “I want to die,” or indirect threats such as “You would be better off without me”/ personality changes or withdrawn behavior/ hoarding medication/ giving away prized possessions/ lack of interest in future plans/ isolation from friends and colleagues/ depression
What are suicidal thoughts
What are some numbers you can call or text if you're feeling like you might need additional support and/or like you might harm yourself?
National Suicide hotline available 24/7: 800-273-8255
Wellness Center: 424-209-4907
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 will feel worse if you don't come talk to them if you need help/ need to talk. They are your friends for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad! don't be afraid to talk about it!