Mental Health
Are emotions like anger, disgust, envy, sadness, etc.
A.) Good
B.) Bad
C.) Neutral
C. Neutral
Emotions are neither good or bad. They are neutral and act as messages to let us know what we value, what is important to us, what we need, if danger is near to help us survive, what we desire to have, can help us bond with others, show us what we don't like, etc.
True or False: All stress is bad
False.
Good stress: Riding a roller coaster, Competing in a game, Going on a first date, Playing a game in the classroom, Doing something for the first time, Speaking in public, Meeting new people, etc.
What is body acceptance/gratitude?
Body acceptance is not loving, liking, disliking, or hating your body. It is the middle ground neutral territory of how you see or treat your body. It is acknowledging it is real, has a story, has carried you through things and continues to carry you through. It is expressing gratitude for all it has done and is doing for you even if you aren't fully satisfied with it or love it (that's okay). It is showing your body compassion and kindness to accept it for how it looks, how it is functioning, what it needs, etc, in the now. Everyday we may not love or like or bodies, the goals is to get to neutral place at least and be patient and kind to it.
What are examples of coping skills?
Taking deep breaths, Talk to a friend, crying it out, going for a walk, prayer/devotion/spiritual practices, being in nature, video games, doing something artistic, dancing, working out, listening to music, learning a new skill, building something, yoga, etc.
What is the abbreviation for Beautifully Flawed?
BF
When you see BF, this does not mean boyfriend lol
True or false: Mental health disorders are caused by a personal weakness or not having enough faith?
False. Mental health disorders can be caused by a number of factors such as: biological factors, genetics, stressful or traumatic events, environmental factors, politics, the economy, etc.
Currently (2024), these are the two most common mental health disorders among teens.
Anxiety & Depression
What is Fight-Flight-Freeze-Fawn?
Our natural defense mechanisms that attempts to help us respond to stressful or dangerous situations.
True or False: Being isolated from others is healthy.
False
Loneliness has been found to raise levels of stress, impede sleep and, in turn, harm the body. Loneliness can also develop depression or other mental health disorders. Often times, isolation is an adapted coping mechanism.
There is a difference between isolation vs solitude or being an introvert.
What should you do if you will miss group in person?
Contact your Group Mentor (Ms. Charity) @ 614-390-9684 or charity@bflawed.org
Attempt to join virtually if possible. Moving forward, Ms. Charity will send a zoom link on the Thursdays we have group.
Complete the missed group assignment to still get credit for the session (You must complete at least 14 sessions to receive the care package)
What are symptoms of depression?
Think of mental health symptoms like a spectrum...
Sleep Disturbances (difficulty falling or staying asleep) and/or Oversleeping
Loss of appetite and reduced meal intake and/or Comfort eating or Overeating
Loss of interest in doing things you used to enjoy or Excessive Involvement in activities
Persistently feeling down, sad, hopeless, or numb
Feeling like a failure, bad about yourself or that you are letting yourself or others down
Feeling tired or having little to no energy
Moving or speaking slower than usual and/or abnormal excessive fidgeting
Thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide
How many children live with a mental health condition that is negatively impacting their personal, social, academic, or occupational life?
1 in 5
-Center for Disease Control (2022)
-The statistic is worsening for minorities due to discrimination, hate crimes, social exclusion, systemic oppression, etc.
How are mental health and physical health connected?
Worsening mental health can show in our bodies as: Headaches/migraines, difficulty catching our breath, racing heart, flushed faced, dizziness, fatigue, muscle soreness, back aches, stiffness in the shoulder, clenching our jaw, stomach churning/butterflies, constipation or diarrhea, increased acne or skin challenges (different from puberty), insomnia, etc.
Chronic mental health problems can result in physical health conditions: heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, difficulty losing weight or obesity, etc.
What is the difference between coping skills and distress tolerance skills?
Not all coping skills are universal. The coping skills that may work when at a level 4/10 (10 being the worst) may not work when you are in crisis at level 9 or 10. Distress tolerance skills help you manage more intense emotions and stressors.
What are our 3 group agreements?
1. Be yourself and come as you are
2. Respect yourself and your group members thoughts, opinions, beliefs, and privacy
3. Participate in group discussions, volunteer outings, and the group leadership project
Should you care for others so much that you sacrifice or neglect your own health and wellness needs?
Big negative. "You can't pour from an empty cup" Taking care of you is what can help you support others and be well in the process. When helping others, it is important to know how to gauge and honor your capacity, strengths, limitations, and needs. Additionally, know when higher level of professional care is needed for the person you are supporting.
You are not crisis support and boundaries when helping others keeps you safe and well.
How do suicide rates impact black and brown youth and LGBTQ+ youth differently?
The suicide rates are higher.
"The suicide rate for black children ages 5-11 has doubled and the suicide rate for Hispanic girls, ages 9-12, was 40% higher than non-Hispanic white girls in the same age group." (Nationwide Children's Hospital)
Additionally, the Trevor Project found “45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year and the rate significantly reduced if a part of an affirming, accepting community.” (Trevor Project)
What is the amygalda (part of the brain)?
Describe the 5-4-3-2-1 Coping Strategy
A technique that asks you to find things you can see, smell, hear, touch, move, or taste (your senses senses) to calm down when feeling anxious or distressed.
Assign a sense a number, list that many things in your environment based on that sense (Ex: 5 things you can see). Describe each thing.
What is the mission of Beautifully Flawed?
BF is a nonprofit organization that provides a tailored approach to help K-12th grade girls heal and grow from stressful and traumatic experiences, engage in leadership and volunteer opportunities.
We provide in school 20 weeks of group mentorship and mental health support to girls by Licensed Clinicians at no cost to families.
What is seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression that typically occurs during certain seasons like fall and winter months and usually improves during spring/summer. The reduction in sunlight, colder weather, and shorter daylight hours, and difficult holiday season are some major factors that affect SAD.
What can help: Taking a daily Vitamin D supplement, Light therapy lamp, Therapy, Quality time with friends or activities that bring happiness, Getting sufficient good quality sleep, Consistent exercise, Eating foods that you enjoy and that help your body be well, etc.
What are some mental health resources
Crisis Resources
Crisis and Suicide Hotline (988)- 24/7 text or call line
Nearest Pediatric Psychiatric Hospital (Some include: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Dublin Springs, SUN Behavioral)
911
How to Find a Therapist
Therapy For Black Girls https://therapyforblackgirls.com
Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Latinx Therapy https://latinxtherapy.com/
Asian Mental Health Collective https://asianmhc.org/therapists-us/
National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color https://nqttcn.com/en/mental-health-directory/
What are grounding techniques and examples of them?
Grounding techniques are mindfulness-based strategies that can help people manage strong emotions, anxiety, and trauma-related distress. Grounding techniques help people shift their focus from negative thoughts or flashbacks to the present moment.
Examples: 5-4-3-2-1, Hot or cold sensations, Being in nature, Rocking back and forth, Planting your feet or hands firmly in the ground, Butterfly taps, Deep breathing, etc.
What is self-care?
Self-care means taking time to do things you enjoy and taking care of yourself. When used consistently, self-care can reduce stress, relieve uncomfortable emotions, and improve physical health.
What leadership project did last year's BF group complete?
Created an affirmation t-shirt line and mental health awareness video that will drop on November 1st. Follow our social media handle to see their video and visit our website to purchase a shirt and support their project!!!! :)
IG: @bflawedorg
Website: www.bflawed.org