Mental Health Basics
What does the term “mental health” mean?
Your emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Which organ in your body do drugs mainly affect?
The brain.
What does “substance use” mean?
Using drugs or alcohol.
What’s a “coping skill”?
A healthy way to deal with stress or difficult emotions.
What’s one physical effect drugs can have on your body?
Damage to organs like the liver, lungs, or heart
Name one common mental health disorder in teens.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc.
What brain chemical gives you a “reward” feeling when you do something enjoyable?
Dopamine.
What’s a depressant?
A drug that slows down the brain and body (e.g., alcohol).
Name one healthy coping strategy.
Deep breathing, exercise, journaling, music, talking to a friend.
What can long-term alcohol use do to your body?
Cause liver disease, memory problems, and addiction.
What can happen if someone ignores their mental health?
Stress, burnout, emotional problems, or physical symptoms.
How do drugs change your brain?
They change the brain’s chemistry and reward system.
What’s a stimulant?
A drug that speeds up the brain and body (e.g., caffeine, nicotine).
What is mindfulness?
Being present and aware without judgment.
How can vaping or smoking harm you?
It damages lungs, causes breathing problems, and can lead to addiction.
What is stigma in mental health?
Negative attitudes or discrimination toward people with mental illness.
Which part of the brain helps you make decisions and control impulses?
The prefrontal cortex.
What is addiction?
The inability to stop even when harmful.
What can trigger cravings or relapse?
Stress, certain places, people, or emotions.
What mental health issues can substance use cause or worsen?
Anxiety, depression, mood swings, and psychosis.
What is resilience?
The ability to recover from challenges or stress.
Why are teenagers more at risk for addiction than adults?
Their brains are still developing.
What is poly-substance use?
Using more than one substance at the same time.
What is emotional regulation?
Managing emotions in a healthy way instead of reacting impulsively.
What happens to your brain’s natural “feel good” system after repeated drug use?
It becomes less sensitive, making it harder to feel pleasure naturally.