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 - students who reported being bullied were more likely to have SI
True. Some students can be under the pressure of their parents’ high expectations, they might be experiencing bullying which can lead to serious interpersonal issues and affect students’ self-esteem, or social incompatibility/rejection which can lead to a poor sense of self-worth.
Reasons why people hesitate to get help with their mental health
They don't want to "burden anyone else with their problems", it is hard to talk about, it makes them feel vulnerable, the 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", and not knowing where to find reliable resources
This bird is the only one that can fly backwards.
What is a hummingbird
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
Things that indicate a trauma-informed classroom/environment
Things you can do to help someone who thinks they may need mental health support.
Listen to them, spend time with them, encourage them to seek help, hold off on trying to fix their problem, and just show them that you care :)
You can also ask: "How can I help?"
Where on a cow's body are the sweat glands located?
What is nose
Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health problems.
Myth. 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.
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)
This term refers to internal changes in teachers and staff members who engage empathetically with a student affected by trauma. It is a theoretical term that focuses less on trauma symptoms and more on the cumulative effects of exposure to details about another person’s trauma.
Vicarious Trauma or Compassion Fatigue or Secondary Traumatic Stress
True or False - It is helpful to let a person vent or talk about their problems without offering solutions.
True. 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. It can feel therapeutic but it is not therapy. Sometimes just listening is all someone needs. Trying to offer solutions could make them feel worse. But if you're finding yourself overwhelmed by what is being shared, encourage the person to seek professional support
This four-legged animal is known for not being able to throw up.
What is a horse
If someone in your family has a mental illness, you are more likely to develop one as well.
Fact. If someone in your family has a mental illness you may be at higher risk but it doesn't mean you will have one. 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
The age of consent to self-refer for mental health services in CA is
12
What comes to mind when you think of the characteristics of a trusted adult
Students say it is someone who is a good listener, offers advice, shows empathy, or won’t make you feel silly for coming to them - someone they feel a connection with. A trusted adult is reliable and dependable.
A group of butterflies is known as
What is a flutter
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
Signs and symptoms of vicarious trauma in Secondary School staff
Hypervigilance: Excessive alertness for potential threats or dangers at and outside of work. Always being “on” and “on the lookout”
Poor Boundaries: Lacking a balanced sense of your role so that you take on too much, step in and try to control events, have difficulty leaving work at work, or take the work too personally
Avoidance: Coping with stress by shutting down and disconnecting
Inability to Empathize/Numbing: Unable to remain emotionally connected to the work
Addictions: Attaching to distractions to check out from work, personal life, or both
Chronic Exhaustion/ Physical Ailments: Experiencing physical, emotional, and spiritual fatigue or inexplicable aches and pains exceeding what you expect for an ordinary busy day or week
Minimizing: Trivializing a current experience by comparing it with another situation that we regard as more severe
Anger and Cynicism: Using cynicism or anger to cope other intense feelings that we may not understand or know how to manage
Feelings of Professional Inadequacy: Becoming increasingly unsure of yourself professionally, second-guessing yourself, feeling insecure about tasks that you once felt confident to perform
Ways to prevent Vicarious Trauma/Burnout
Life balance
Relaxation techniques
Contact with nature
Creative expression
Assertiveness training
Time management
Plan for coping
Focusing on self-care
Seeking professional support
Joining a support group
Learning new self-care strategies
Asking for help
Recognizing success and creating meaning
If peacocks are technically males, what is a female called?
What is a peahen