The struggle is real...
This is the body's natural response to a challenge or demand.
What is stress.
This tool is generally a small object that people can use to help manage symptoms related to nervousness, anxiety or stress.
What is a fidget.
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
What is empathy.
This "feel-good" chemical in the brain is often released during exercise.
What is dopamine.
This color represents mental health awareness.
What is green (lime green).
This practice, often involving deep breathing and mindfulness, can help reduce stress.
What is meditation.
These three things contribute SIGNIFICANTLY to maintaining good mental health. What are they?
What are diet (food and water), exercise and SLEEP.
According to recent health advisories, using social media for more than this many hours per day is linked to a doubled risk of depression and anxiety.
What is 3 hours per day.
This relaxation method involves focusing on the present moment without judgment.
What is mindfulness.
What is the month that is considered the official month of "Mental Health Awareness".
What is May.
This is the recommended number of hours of sleep necessary for teenagers to help promote positive mental health.
What is 8-10 hours.
This is a professional trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
What is a therapist.
The ability to bounce back or recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks.
What is resilience.
This activity, often involving a notebook or digital document, can help process thoughts and emotions.
What is journaling.
This is the name of the 24/7 resource in Chittenden County that is available to any and all people for support and consultation over the phone and in-person.
What is First Call for Chittenden Country (FCCC).
802-488-7777
BONUS RESOURCE
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text 988
What percentage of teens are estimated to be diagnosed with anxiety in the United States?
What is around 32%. (according to National Institute of Mental Health)
This "fight-or-flight" hormone is released during high-stress situations.
What is adrenaline.
This medical professional is a great place to start for teens who have questions or are looking for support with their mental health.
Who are primary care physicians - your pediatrician!
Research from Harvard and UC Berkeley suggests that consistently practicing this "active appreciation" can physically rewire the brain, lowering cortisol levels and increasing overall life satisfaction by over 25%.
What is gratitude.
*Practicing gratitude isn't just "being polite." It actually stimulates the hypothalamus (which controls stress) and floods the brain with dopamine. It’s like a natural antidepressant that you can trigger just by writing down three good things that happened in your day.
This term describes an unfair "mark of disgrace" often associated with mental health struggles.
What is stigma.
This is the term used for a strategy that helps someone manage feelings of stress and anxiety. Hint - they can be healthy or unhealthy.
What is a coping mechanism.
This part of the brain, responsible for decision-making and logic, isn't fully developed until your mid-20s.
What is the prefrontal cortex.
Unlike "changing" a situation, this describes the ability to survive a crisis without making it worse, teaching someone how to sit with intense emotional pain until it passes.
What is distress tolerance.
When overwhelmed, using this type of structured breathing can help calm the mind.
What is deep breathing or box breathing.
What are some ways you can support someone who shares they are struggling with their mental health?
What is: listen to them without judgment, spend time with them, encourage them to seek help from a professional, help connect them with resources.
If you're unsure what to do...come to guidance!