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.
This disorder is a combination of a manic phase (a sudden onset of exhilaration and excessive good mood), and a depressive phase (feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and prolonged sadness)
Bi-Polar Disorder
True or False- Admitting that you are struggling is giving up on yourself.
FALSE. Admitting you are having problems is often very hard to do, and asking for help is a sign of strength and willingness to work through what you are experiencing.
True or false- Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health problems.
False. 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.
Are you helping your friend if they come talk to you and you don't know what to say?
Yes. By being open and letting them vent about what's going on, and just being there, you are helping. You are not a professional, and you can't expect to have all the answers. Sometimes just listening is all they need.
People with mental illnesses will not get better
Myth. Mental illness is treatable. While it is not usually “cured”, it can be effectively managed. Most people with mental disorders live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their mental illness.
Name one difference between sadness and depression
Depression lasts longer than two weeks, doesn’t usually go away on its own, and impacts your life.
Name 3 resources or people you can talk to if you are having a hard time.
Guide, friend, family member, counselor, colorado crisis services, trevor project, etc.
True or false- you need to know exactly what you're going to say and how you're going to say it before you talk to a counselor.
False. Counselors are there to listen to whatever is troubling you, and you can open up to them at a pace that you are comfortable with. Tip: if you feel like you might get nervous and freeze up, it often helps to write things down before your appointment. This also helps you to organize your thoughts and put things in perspective.
Name 3 reason why people hesitate to ask for help
They don't want to "burden anyone else with their problems"
it is hard to talk about,
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",
no resources available
Mental disorders is a consequence of personal weakness.
Myth. The main risk factors for mental illness are genetics, severe and prolonged stress, other environmental influences, and brain chemistry.
This disorder is characterized by depression and anxiety and can include flashbacks. It is common among survivors of trauma, crimes and people in the military.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Name 3 sources of strength from the Sources of Strength Wheel
positive friends, mentors, healthy activities, generosity, spirituality, medical access, mental health, family support
True or False: I have to be 15 in order to get mental health support without parent/guardian consent.
Colorado Behavioral Health statutes permit a minor 12 years of age or older to consent to receive mental health services with or without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
True or False: If tell my friends or family what is going on I will just be a burden.
False: Your friends will feel worse if you don't come talk to them if you need help/ need to talk. They are your friends for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad!
If someone in your family has a mental illness, you are more likely to develop one as well.
Fact. Although you will not necessarily develop any kind of mental illness, if someone in your family has a mental disorder you will be at higher risk. So, if you start to experience the symptoms of a mental disorder it will be important for you to see a health provider as soon as possible.
What event is this describing?..." sweating, nausea, 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
True/False: When I help or give to others, it makes me feel better.
True: Generosity is a source of strength
True/False: How I think about something has an impact on my feelings and behaviors.
True. Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors connect to each other. Reframing thoughts can make a positive difference in feelings and behaviors.
What are symptoms that someone has reached their stress limit?
physical response- headaches, stomaches, etc
mental response- intrusive negative thoughts
emotional response- difficulty with regulation, anger or irritability, crying alot, etc
If I ask a friend or family member if they are thinking about suicide, I may cause them to hurt themselves.
Myth. If you are concerned about a loved one, you should express your concern. Some people have the misconception that asking a person about suicide will increase the risk, but in reality asking does not increase the risk of suicide, but can save a life.
Name one way to end the stigma around mental health
Talking about it
Educating yourself and your family about it
Supporting others
Name 3 warning signs that a person could be suicidal
Direct suicide threats such as “I want to die”
Indirect threats or jokes such as “You would be better off without me”
Personality changes or withdrawn behavior
Hoarding medication or giving away prized possessions
Behavioral changes such as lack of interest in future plans/ isolation from friends/depression/
"Ride the waves" in a social-emotional context, has to do with allowing the self to feel and remember that feelings are temporary.
True. If we were in California or Florida, it may mean to go surfing.
True/False: When I am feeling overwhelmed, mindfulness, the act of focusing on my senses and the present moment can help.
True!