Understanding Mental Health
What is mental health?
The state of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being—how we think, feel, and act.
Name one healthy coping strategy to deal with stress.
Deep breathing, exercise, talking to someone, journaling, listening to music, etc.
What does it mean to show empathy?
Understanding and caring about how someone else feels (putting yourself in someone else's shoes).
What is stress?
The body’s reaction to a challenge, demand, or pressure.
Who is one trusted adult you can talk to if you’re struggling with your mental health?
A parent, teacher, school counsellor, coach, older sibiling/family member.
True or False: Mental health means having a mental illness.
False. Mental health is something everyone has; it includes how we handle stress and make choices, not just illness.
What does “self-care” mean?
Doing activities that help you stay mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy.
Give two examples of how you can support a friend who feels sad or stressed.
Listening, checking in, offering to spend time together, encouraging them to talk to an adult.
True or False: All stress is bad for you.
False. Some stress (like excitement or motivation) can be positive and help you perform better, such as being 'stressed' about a test can help motivate you to study so that you do well.
What does Kids Help Phone provide for youth in Canada?
Free, confidential counselling and support through phone, text, or online chat.
Name one way good mental health can affect your relationships with others.
Helps you communicate better, show empathy, manage conflict, and build stronger friendships.
How can physical activity help your mental health?
It releases endorphins, reduces stress, boosts mood, and improves sleep.
What are three signs that a friend might need some support?
They seem withdrawn, sad, easily upset, tired, or not interested in usual activities.
What are two physical signs your body might give when you’re stressed?
Headaches, stomachaches, tense muscles, sweating, fast heartbeat, or trouble sleeping.
Why is it important to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
It helps you get support, feel less alone, and find healthy solutions.
What’s the difference between mental health and mental illness?
Mental health refers to overall emotional well-being. Everyone has good days and bad days. Mental illness is a diagnosed condition that affects thinking, mood, or behaviour.
Describe 2 positive coping strategies and 2 negative coping strategies.
Positive: talking to a friend, exercising, reading...
Negative: ignoring problems, yelling, using substances...
Why is it important to set healthy boundaries in friendships or relationships?
It helps you protect your mental health, respect personal space, and maintain balance in relationships.
How can time management reduce stress in your life?
It helps you stay organized, avoid last-minute panic, and balance responsibilities.
What might stop someone from getting help, and how can we overcome those barriers?
Fear, stigma, or embarrassment; overcome by normalizing conversations and showing understanding.
Explain how stigma can affect people who experience mental health challenges.
Stigma can cause shame or embarrassment, prevent people from getting help, or lead to bullying or isolation.
How can mindfulness or deep breathing help regulate your emotions?
It helps calm your body, focus your mind, and reduce anxiety or anger by slowing your breathing and thoughts.
What are some similarities and differences between a therapist and your family/friends?
A therapist is: a professional, more knowledgable, know about more tools/strategies/supports available for you.
Friends/Family: know you better, may be more accessible for some people, you're more comfortable around.
Both: want to support you, have you in their best interest.
Alexa is diagnosed with Anxiety and takes medication for it. Which professional diagnosed her, and which professional can prescribe medication for her mental illness?
She was diagnosed by a psychologist
She got prescribed medication by a psychiatrist.
Name two school or community resources that can support mental health and explain how they help.
- School counsellor (talk support)
- Resource teachers (like: Mrs. Defina, Mrs. Poirier, Mrs. Savoia)
- Social worker (connects families to services)
- Community centers (youth programs)
- Mental health helplines (24/7 support like kids help phone
- 911 in emergency situations