True or False: Mental health challenges are a sign of weakness.
False. Mental health conditions are common and influenced by many factors like biology, stress, trauma, and environment.
Can mental health symptoms change over time?
Yes! Symptoms can improve, worsen, or fluctuate depending on stress levels, supports, treatment, and coping skills.
What is an example of an unhealthy "quick fix" ?
What might someone talk to their counselor or therapist about?
What color represents mental health awareness?
Green
True of False: Coping skills are something everyone is born knowing how to do.
False. Coping skills are learned throughout our lives.
Name one common symptom of depression.
Low mood, loss of interest, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of hopelessness.
Name one coping skill that calms the body.
Deep breathing, stretching, physical grounding, walking, listening to music.
Is medication the only way to treat mental health conditions effectively?
No. Many people benefit from therapy, coping skills, lifestyle changes, or a mix of approaches. Medication only helps so much, and action steps bring additional change.
1 in ____ people experience a diagnosable mental health condition in a year.
1 in 4
True or False: The practice of focusing on your breath, and being fully present in the moment without judgement as a means of reducing stress and anxiety is called MINDFULNESS.
True! This is an example of mindful meditation, mindful activities, or mindful grounding.
Name one common symptom of anxiety.
Name one coping skill that helps calm the mind.
Mindfulness, distraction, journaling, social support and talking to people, positive self-talk.
Instead of prescribing a cure, this strategy focuses on reducing the negative consequences associated with both substance use or mental health crises. What is it?
Harm Reduction
Name 3 coping skills you can do at home.
True or False: You can have good mental health even if you have a diagnosed mental illness.
True! Mental health is a spectrum, and many people manage conditions effectively.
Why might someone hesitate to talk about their symptoms?
Fear of judgement, stigma, not knowing how to explain it, or worrying about being misunderstood.
Why might a coping skill not work every time?
Stress levels change, situations differ, and sometimes we need different tools for different moments.
Why does self-talk matter?
Positive self-talk supports us in seeing what is going well, giving ourselves credit for what we are already doing, and helps us feel optimism, hope, and the possibility for change.
Negative self-talk increases the difficulty of challenging negative beliefs that keep us feeling depressed/anxious/struggling with mental health.
Why is progress sometimes slow or uneven?
Healing is not linear - setbacks happen, and don't erase progress. Sometimes things feel harder before they feel easier.
True or False: Talking openly about suicide increases the risk of someone attempting it.
False. Open, supportive conversations can actually help to reduce risk by reducing perceived isolation and increasing social support, reducing stigma and shame, and connects individuals with the help they may need.
When is it recommended to ask for help with mental health?
When something in your daily life is impacting your ability to function, if you experience physical symptoms and/or problems with your mental health, when navigating big changes in your life, ANYTIME YOU NEED SUPPORT.
Why is it helpful to practice coping skills even when feeling okay?
Practice builds confidence and makes skills easier to use during high-stress or crisis moments. It helps us remember what our skills are too!
Why is it important to ask questions about your treatment or medication?
Because people deserve to understand their care and be involved in decisions about their health.
Feelings and situations can change. Support is available. Everyone is capable of growing and healing.