Stats Attack!
Your body's natural reaction to change or anything that you perceive as a challenge or threat.
What is Stress?
Fun Fact: We’re not the strongest or the fastest animals, but we are great at adapting! Because of stress, we can survive and overcome challenges that most animals could not.
Mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
What is True?
Fun Fact: As we've discussed, mental health and physical health are intertwined, so although we may still think of and treat them differently, both are important to check in with and take care of!
Sometimes seen as even worse than having the illness itself, these negative views surrounding mental illness causes people to feel shame, embarrassment, judgement and to not reach out for help.
What is Stigma
(Not so) Fun Fact: Stigma involves prejudice (negative beliefs/attitudes), stereotypes (harmful labels) and discrimination (exclusionary behaviours) towards an individual or group based on something about them (e.g., mental illness).
A place in Ottawa where youth can learn new coping skills, make friends, and access support for their mental health.
What is YouthNet/ReseauAdo (YNRA)
Question: Does anyone know what kinds of services YNRA offers? Anyone know how to sign up?
The 2nd leading cause of death among youth ages 15-24.
What is Suicide.
Important: The topic of suicide can be overwhelming, but remember that suicide prevention just starts with noticing, sharing, or doing one good thing - and we can ALL make a difference by talking about and being more open about mental health.
Sticking to a routine, getting physical activity, sleeping and eating well, getting outside in nature, going to therapy, etc., are all examples of...
What are ways to maintain your mental health (a.k.a. self-care, positive coping)?
People with mental illness CANNOT be mentally healthy.
What is False?
Fun Fact: Just like physical health, someone dealing with a mental illness can develop coping skills to manage their illness, take care of themselves and live a fulfilling life.
What is one person young people need in their lives that research has shown to make a big difference in mental wellbeing and success later in life?
What is a trusted adult / adult ally.
Question: Where could you look for an adult ally? What are the characteristics of a supportive adult figure?
Beyond family, teachers, and pets, these people are the ones youth report talking to most when they're having a rough time.
What is Friends / Peers
Fun Fact: That's why YNRA exists, cuz we know that youth are more comfortable talking to other young people about their mental health!
Asking questions like: "What are some emotions I'm feeling?", "What might my body and mind need right now to feel balanced, healthy and strong?" are ways you can...
What is check-in with yourself and make a self-care plan?
Feeling hopeless, irritable, loss of energy and being unable to concentrate over a long period of time, might be a sign of Depression.
What is True?
Fun Fact: Although some of these symptoms also occur with other mental health disorders (e.g., like anxiety), taken together, they are usually red flags that may mean the individual is dealing with depression and should seek support (e.g., from family doctor).
What is stigmatizing/harmful labels?
Fun Fact: Labels are for jars, not people!
A phone line that youth can call when feeling distressed, in crisis or just need to talk to someone.
What is Kids Help Phone or Youth Services Bureau (YSB) Crisis Line.
Fun Fact: They both also have an online chat service!
61.5% of youth report that not knowing where to go is one big thing that stops them from...
What is reaching out for help with mental health struggles.
"It's all in your head", "Just stop worrying", "Look on the bright side" and "Some people have it a lot worse" are all examples of:
What is being judgmental / not listening / minimizing
Reflect: What are some things you could say instead to yourself or a friend who's struggling?
If a friend comes to you feeling down or upset and you don't understand what they're going through or don't know what to do, you are not the one who should be helping them.
What is False?
Fun Fact: Although it seems hard to imagine what help you could possibly provide if you aren't a doctor or haven't experienced what they're dealing with, you CAN help them by listening to them, being honest about your own limits, and helping them connect with another person or resource.
Joining advocacy groups, volunteering, and being open to talking about mental health with others are all ways to...
What is reduce stigma (and be the change you want to see in the world!)
An Ottawa-based phone application that helps youth through distressing times by walking them through their thoughts, feelings and options for seeking help.
What is The Be Okay App!
Fun Fact: www.ementalhealth.com is also a great service locator for resources across Ontario.
The percentage (%) of the population that could get a mental illness.
What is 100% Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures. Although not all of us have or will have a mental illness, we ALL do have the potential to be affected by it either directly or indirectly.
People living with schizophrenia are 3 times more likely to commit violent crimes.
What is False?
People with schizophrenia (and mental illness in general) are more likely to be VICTIMS of violent crime than to commit them.
What you should do FIRST (i.e., before offering resources or calling anyone else) when a friend comes to you for support.
What is listen attentively and show compassion.
Fun Fact: Yep, don't panic or call 911! First, just let them know that you are there to hear them out. Then take the time and effort to really listen in order to understand them and what they need. Sometimes all someone needs to know is that someone cares and is trustworthy to talk to.