True or False 1
Everyone has mental health.
True, everyone has mental health, just like everyone has physical health! Mental health is our ability to work with our thoughts and emotions to have a life where we can have successful relationships and handle the challenges of life.
Are positive emotions good and difficult emotions bad?
No. All emotions are important information, and are a natural part of being human. However, a difficult emotion can result in bad actions if we aren't careful.
Emotions and feelings are the same thing.
Not exactly. Emotions happen in our bodies and brains without us having to think about them, but feelings are how we think and talk about our emotions.
Kids that have a mental illness have bad parents.
False. There can be lots of things that contribute to someone being mentally ill, and even scientists don't understand it all perfectly.
Is sleep important for your mental health.
Yes. More sleep or better quality sleep can improve your mental health by a lot.
If you’re feeling sad one day, you are depressed.
False, depression and sadness are two different things. Sadness is an emotion that is a short-term thing while depression is a long-term thing to have.
Joy, Happiness, love are all examples of magical powers.
No, these are examples of emotions.
Everyone feels emotions the same way.
No, people can have very different ways of experiencing their emotions. Think of some examples!
What you eat does not affect how you feel.
False. Proper nutrition is incredibly important for mental health. If you eat well, you help get proper nutrients to your brain and that helps you get into a positive state of mental health.
Is it a bad idea to talk about my mental health?
No. It's always good to talk about the things that are making you upset even if it's small.
Everyone has a mental illness.
False. Mental illness can only be diagnosed by a doctor. We can be struggling with our mental health but not be diagnosed with a mental illness. And it can be helpful to see a counsellor either way.
You can ask for help if you feel sad.
Yes, if you feel you need to talk to someone you trust and will help you.
It’s normal for people to feel sad sometimes.
Yes. It’s okay to feel sad and talking to people could help to deal with the situation.
You cannot help someone with a mental illness.
False. You can help a whole lot by being a good friend and supporting them as best you can. If you have a friend with a mental illness, ask how to best support them and let them know you’re there for them.
Writing your thoughts or journaling help with mental health.
Yes, journaling can help with your mental health, by reflecting on how your day went, and see what you did to get yourself through hard moments. It can also show you what about the day was good.
Mental illnesses cannot be treated.
False. Mental illness can be treated with things like the right counselling, medication, and increasing safety and support.
Playing sports can help deal with your mental health.
True, doing things you love can help deal with your mental health.
You can feel multiple emotions at the same time.
Yes. It's common to think that you can only feel one way at a time. No single feeling is more valid than another, they can all coexist.
You can tell if someone has a mental illness.
False. Mental illnesses are not visible illnesses, you cannot “see” them. However you might see the symptoms of a mental illness but never jump into conclusions without seeing a doctor first.
Name some things you do to help cope with difficult emotions or mental health struggles?
There are SO many answers!
You should stay away from someone with mental illness.
False. Mental illness is not contagious, and most people with mental illness are not dangerous. If your friend, family member or someone else you know has a mental illness, instead of avoiding them you should try understanding and supporting them.
Medication is BAD for mental illness.
False, many people need to take medication to help with recovery. Doctors can help people find the right medication for their mental illness.
Happiness is better than sadness or anger.
No, it’s normal to feel sad or mad depending on the situation. Happiness might feel more comfortable, but it is not better.
Someone who struggles with their mental health will feel bad all the time.
False. People who struggle with their mental health may not have to battle it every day. Every day is different for them, they can still be happy.
Do video games cause bad mental health?
No, video games do NOT cause mental illness. However too much screen time is not good for our brains, our relationships, or our emotions.