General Mental Health
a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community (WHO)
What is anxiety?
A mental health condition involving fear, worry, and nervousness that interferes with everyday life
What is depression?
A mental health condition characterized by low mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, isolation/social withdrawal, weight loss/gain, appetite changes, etc.
What is a coping skill?
A tool or strategy used to manage stressful or challenging situations and to regulate emotions
What month is mental health awareness month?
May
True or false: a person can only be diagnosed with one mental health condition at a time
False - a person can have multiple conditions at the same time (this is called a comorbidity)
What percent of the global population lives with an anxiety disorder?
4.4% (WHO)
How many people live with depression worldwide?
~322 million people (ADAA)
What are two things that can promote positive mental health?
Exercise, breathing, social connection, medication management, therapy, getting enough sleep, feeling validated/understood by others
True or false: Stress is always bad.
False - stress, in the right amount and at the right intensity level, can help strengthen us. Think of the stress a person uses when exercising a muscle - it's hard at first, but they get stronger as a result.
Distress vs. eustress
What would you want someone who is struggling with their mental health to know?
Individual response
What are some symptoms of anxiety?
Excessive worry and apprehension
Sleep disturbances
Irritability
Mind going blank/difficulty concentrating
Unexplained aches/pains
Fatigue
What is something a person can do to manage depression?
Talk with a doctor or psychiatrist about medication
Seek out regular social connection
Eat healthy
Sleep enough
Cut out substances or other unhealthy coping tools
Etc.
What is a grounding skill?
A technique that brings you back into the present moment. Example: 5-4-3-2-1 technique
What month is suicide awareness month?
September
True or false: healing is linear
False: everyone has their own path to health and wellness
What is a phobia?
An intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity
What causes depression?
There is no 1 cause. Biological, psychological, environmental, and social factors all play a role.
Name a strength or positive quality that you possess
Resilience, compassion, empathy, perseverance, etc.
1 in how many adults have experienced some form of mental illness?
1 in 5
What has your journey with mental health looked like throughout your life?
Individual responses
True or false: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the USA.
True, but only 1 in 4 people receive treatment (WHO)
This type of depression often occurs during winter months
Seasonal affective disorder
What is an affirmation you can use when you are feeling self-critical?
This is hard, and it will pass.
I'm doing the best I can.
I am worthy just as I am.
Etc.
What is mental health stigma?
Negative attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors towards individuals with mental health conditions