Coping
Name two things you could say if you called the helpline.
Im having a hard time
I need to talk to somebody
Today was tough
Im not sure what to say
I need help
I need someone to listen
Name one resource that may helpful if someone is experiencing depression.
Mental Health and Addictions Services
988 Suicide Helpline
SIGN Walk In Counselling Service
How is physical health connected with our mental health?
All areas of our health interconnect. Striving for balance and wellness means paying attention to all aspects of our health.
When we are stressed, there is an important impact on our physical body too, such as breathing, heart rate, hunger, sleep, etc.
It is okay to ask a friend if they are having a hard time. Name two reasons why?
It shows that we care; that we noticed and are concerned.
Let them know that they are not alone; may break isolation.
Allows the person to talk about whats going on, which can be step to getting help.
Research which culture it is originally from and the history of its use.
If possible, learn from the people and culture who created it.
Try to use it as close to its original meaning and purpose as possible.
Acknowledge where it comes from when using it.
Do not claim it as your own or try to make money or profit from its use.
How can talking about a hard time be helpful? Give two reasons.
Process whats going on. Share your feelings, work out whats bothering you, and explore what you can do about it.
Feel better
Dont feel alone
Feel cared for
Create a connection between people
What can someone do if they are struggling with anxiety?
Talk to someone you trust about it.
Seek out resources for help.
Try different ways to cope and see what works best for you.
Medication
Why is it important to take care of ourselves and have fun?
Gives us a break so we can re-energize
Helps us cope when times are harder
Releases endorphins (happy hormones)
Reduces stress
Feels good
Can help us have more energy to be helpful to others
When supporting a friend, it is important to be non-judgmental and listen to them. Give two reasons why.
It builds connection.
Creates safety
Makes it more likely the friend will ask for help in the future.
Its respectful.
What is art therapy?
Using artwork, imagery, colors and shapes as part of a creative therapeutic process. Thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise might be difficult to say with words
Demonstrate a type of deep breathing you can do and explain when you can use it.
Anytime! Breathing deeply is a helpful way to start the day, keep us feeling good, calm us down, or help us feel better and relax throughout the day or night.
How can we support a friend who is having a hard time, but who has also made it clear they dont want to talk?
Let them know thats okay, but youre there if they ever need to.
Share food.
Have fun together, laughte and distractions can help give someone a break from their hard time.
Share resources like phone lines
Check in occasionally.
What is self-compassion?
Practicing positive self-talk, which means talking to yourself in your head as if you were talking to your best friend; in other words, with kindness and compassion. "Giving yourself grace."
Why may a support group be helpful?
To get information
To not be alone and have a sense of belonging
Gives people a chance to share their experiences of struggle and recovery, which may help people learn to cope better.
Might give someone a sense of purpose or something to do.
Why is it important to take care of yourself while supporting other people? Give me an example of what this might look like.
Supporting someone else is hard, so we need to ensure we are taking care of our well-being so that we have the capacity to offer support to others.
Talking to our own support systmes (friend, family, counsellors, AH Operators, Phone lines, etc.)
Doing things that bring us joy (hobbies, sports, art, food, etc.)
Setting healthy boundaries with the person we are supporting. This makes sure we are there for them, but in a way that lets us also take care of ourselves.