Warning Signs
Coping and Prevention
What would you do?
Myth or Fact?
Community Crisis Support
100

The following examples are warning signs of what mental health condition?

- Eating or sleeping too much or too little

- Not enjoying things you used to

- Loss of energy

- Difficulty concentrating

- Overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness

What is "Depression"? 

- Disorder of the brain. 

- Serious mental illness that is more than just a feeling of being "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days.

- Over 20 million people in the United States who have depression

- Feelings persist and can interfere with everyday life.

100

Getting 7–9 hours of this each night can help prevent mood swings, stress, and mental health crises.

What is "sleep"? 

- Sleep and mood are HUGELY linked. For example, people with insomnia are 10 times more likely to have depression and 17 times more likely to have anxiety than the general population. 

- Chicken or egg? Idk 

100

You're talking with a friend when he says to you, “I’m just really overwhelmed lately.” He says he doesn't want to hurt himself But he has stopped hanging out with friends and isn’t sleeping well. What is the best first step?

What is "Listen"?

- People often want to be heard. It means a lot to know someone cares about them. 

- Give your full attention. Don't judge. Follow up. 

100

Myth or Fact: Mental health issues are a result of personality weakness or character flaws, and people can "snap out of it" if they try hard enough.

What is "Myth"?

Mental health conditions have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:

  • Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry
  • Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse 
  • Family history of mental health conditions
100

If someone feels unsafe at home or in their community and is afraid they might be harmed, they should contact this number for immediate help.

What is "911"?

200

signs and sx of anxiety

- A sense of restlessness

- Difficulty concentrating 

- Being "on edge" or "wound up" 

- Headaches, stomachaches

- Difficulty sleeping

What is "Generalized anxiety disorder"? 

- You can be anxious without having anxiety 

Other forms of anxiety include Panic Disorder, OCD, Social Anxiety, and Phobias. 

200

Eating healthy, avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting some exercise, and practicing deep breathing to relieve stress are examples of what?

What is "healthy coping mechanisms?" 


- Our mental health can escalate. Taking care of it preemptively is a great way to help prevent us spiraling into a crisis. 

200

You notice your friend has been struggling lately. One night she is intoxicated and says to you, “I don’t want to be here anymore. I'm going to take all my pills tonight." What can you do? 

What is "call 911 or 988 and stay with her (if she's not a danger)"? 


- take every statement of SI seriously 
200

Myth or Fact: Children don't experience mental health issues.

What is "Myth"? 

Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14-years-old, and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24.

Unfortunately, only half of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health conditions receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs.

200

Worrying about not having enough food can increase stress and affect physical and mental health. People who need help getting food can go to this type of place.

What is a "food pantry"?

- List of Local Food pantries 

300

The following examples are warning signs what may be occurring?

  • Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
  • Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
  • Changes in how they use their electronic device or social media accounts
  • Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

What is "Bullying"? 

Bullying can be verbal, social, physical, or online. Approximately 20% of teens report being bullied (1 in 5). 

  • Parents should LISTEN and reassure them that coming to you was the right thing to do. 
  • Document everything.
  • Don't encourage retaliation to bullying - such as violent actions.
  • Monitor for escalation.
  • Take every opportunity to encourage and discuss options.
300

Practicing gratitude can help lower stress and increase this positive feeling. What is this feeling? 

What is "hope"? (or happiness) 

- Bonus point: Give me an example of what it looks like to practice gratitude. 

- Bonus point: What is one thing you're thankful for today? 

300

You are in an argument with you brother when he begins pacing, yelling, and clenching his fists. What is the safest response?

Stay calm. Give them space. If you are worried for your safety, leave the house. If the behavior escalates, calling 911 may be the safest option. 

300

Myth or Fact: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death for Hoosiers between the ages of 10 and 34 years.

What is "True"?

300

You can call or text this three-digit number 24/7 to connect to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.A.

What is "988"? 

400

Mental health illness, substance misuse, chronic illness, trauma, painful losses, exposure to violence, and social isolation can all put someone at higher risk for this action? 

What is "suicide"? 

Other risk factors for adults include: 

  • Talking about or making plans for suicide.
  • Acting anxious, agitated, or behaving recklessly.
  • Talking about being a burden to others.
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
400

This is a written list of coping skills, safe people, and phone numbers to use during a mental health crisis.

What is a "safety plan"? 

- We actually have some printed off today. If you or someone you know may be struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts. Please talk to someone and take one of these. 

400

Your friend comes to you saying she is worried about her drinking. She feel alone and ashamed and says, “I feel like I’m drinking too much and I can’t stop. I don’t know anyone who’s been through this.” What could you suggest that might provide her with information and support? 

What is "join a support group, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or another peer support group?"



400

Myth or Fact: All people with mental health conditions are violent.

What is "Myth"?

Only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of a violent crime than the general population.

400

Worrying about where to sleep at night or losing your home can increase mental health stress. People in this situation can contact local programs for this type of help.

What is "emergency housing" or "shelters"?

Bonus: Name one in Southern Indiana. What is "Catalyst Rescue Mission"? Or "White Flag Shelter" (Culbertson Baptist Church) 

500

This disorder may develop when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. Children and adults with this condition may may feel anxious or stressed even when they are not in present danger. 

What is "PTSD"?

- PTSD can start shortly after the traumatic event or it may not develop until months or years later. 

- Signs may include flashbacks, difficulty sleeping with nightmares, hypervigelence, or angry outbursts.

- Get help. Talk to a trained doctor or counselor. They may recommend medications or therapies. 

500

People stop their prescribed mental health medications for many reasons. Instead of stopping suddenly, the safest step to do this is to reach out to this person. 

What is "doctor" or "pharmacist"?


- some medications have dangerous side effects if stopped suddenly 

500

You're talking with a friend who has recently lost their spouse to cancer. They comes to you crying and say, “I can’t sleep, I keep thinking about my wife, and I feel like life has no purpose without her. I don’t even want to get out of bed most days.” What is the most helpful thing you could do?

Listen. Give them time. Have a meal together. If appropriate suggest grief counseling or a support group. 

500

Myth or Fact: 1 in 20 Americans have lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

What is "True"?

500

This three-digit number connects to a free, confidential hotline that helps Hoosiers across Indiana find the local resources they need.

What is "Indiana 2-1-1"? 

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