Fact or Fiction
Mental health issues are rare.
Fiction. 1 in 4 American Adults experience a mental illness in a given year, and every single person will be affected by a mental illness in their lifetime. (Source: World Health Organization)
This is a disorder characterized by periods in which someone feels overly happy and energized and other periods of feeling very sad, hopeless, and sluggish. In between those periods, they often feel fine.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Jimmy doesn't have any good advice for his roommate, Kevin, who seems to be constantly overwhelmed and stressed out. Jimmy can't be any help to Kevin.
Wrong. Jimmy doesn't have to have all the answers to help Kevin. He can help Kevin just by talking to him and asking him if he is okay. Kevin might want Jimmy to be someone who just listens to him without judgement.
Where is the Counseling Center located on campus?
The Counseling Center is on the second floor of the Health Center which is located directly south of the IM fields and across from Weaver Towers and Elm Hall.
This is where fortune cookies were invented.
What is the United States of America?
Mentally ill people are violent.
Fiction. The risk of violence is very slightly, if all, increased by mental illness alone.
This is a disorder where symptoms may include depression, severe anxiety, nightmares and flashbacks to a traumatic event. This can develop days, months, or even years after the event occurs.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Sally just confided in her friend Jenny that she wants to end her own life, and made Jenny swear that she wouldn't tell anyone. Jenny doesn't tell anyone because she promised she wouldn't.
Wrong. Even though she promised Sally, Jenny should still tell someone who can help and if she thinks Sally is an immediate threat to herself, Jenny should not feel afraid to call 911. It is better to have an alive and angry friend than to lose them forever.
(T/F) It costs money to use the counseling center.
False. The counseling center is free to all full-time students.
This is the name of a group of unicorns.
What is a blessing?
Mentioning Suicide will put the thought in their head.
Fiction. You cannot plant that thought in someone's head if they aren't already thinking about suicide. If they are, asking directly will most likely be a relief to them because they've been afraid to reach out.
This disorder can cause feelings of despair and hopelessness, a numbness to life, increased fatigue/lack of energy, crying for no apparent reason, changes in eating/sleeping patterns, and a loss of interest in activities.
What is Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)?
Kelly's partner, Tom, is having a difficult time handling his depression. Kelly knows that if she just spends enough time with Tom and gives him the right advice she'll make him better.
Wrong. Kelly may make Tom feel a bit better in the moment, but she cannot make him better in the long term. Kelly's best option is to be there to support Tom as he tries work out what is causing him to feel depressed. Kelly might also help Tom to find a counselor to help him along his way.
You are worried about someone on campus, but don't think you can talk to them about it. Where can you go to for help on campus (2+ examples)?
- File a CARE report
- Introduce them to TAO
- Talk to an RA/CA, Peer Mentor, or trusted faculty/staff member
- Call 911 (if you are immediately worried for their safety)
This street in Denver is the longest in America.
What is Colfax Avenue?
Males die by suicide more often than females do.
Fact. Males die by suicide four times as often as females, however, females attempt suicide more often than males.
This is characterized by intense fear, a sense of detachment from the world/oneself, dizziness, nausea, trembling, shortness of breath, and/or chest pain. These symptoms come on abruptly and sometimes out of the blue.
What is a Panic Attack? If the panic attacks are recurrent and the fear of having one causes changes to your lifestyle, it may be a Panic Disorder.
*This is not an Anxiety Attack, which comes on gradually with varying levels of intensity and tends to be a direct result of something perceived as stressful/threatening.
The meaning of the acronym for supporting others: VAR.
V: Validate (their thoughts/feelings)
A: Appreciate (their courage)
R: Refer
(T/F) Only people in crisis or with a diagnosed mental illness can use the Counseling Center.
False.
The Counseling Center can help with stress, feelings of being overwhelmed, homesickness, anxiety, phobias, diagnosed mental illnesses, crises, and much more.
This is the color a Hippo's sweat turns when it gets upset.
What is Red/Pink?
If a member of your family has a mental illness, you are more likely to develop one.
Fact. While mental illnesses do not discriminate based on age, race, culture, education level, or income level, you are at a higher risk of developing a mental illness if a familiar member has one.
This is characterized by Direct threats ("I just want to kill myself"), Indirect threats (They'd be better off without me"), engaging in unnecessarily risky behavior, and/or putting their affairs in order.
What is Suicidal Ideation?
Jordan is hanging out with a group of friends when Bobby makes a joke about wanting to kill himself. The rest of the group laughs along with Bobby, except Jordan. Jordan is uncomfortable with Bobby's joke because he knows suicide is a real and serious issue that shouldn't be joked about. Not wanting to lose friends, Jordan doesn't say anything.
Wrong. Even though it may be hard for Jordan to speak up, it is important for him to say something. He is right that suicide is serious and not a joking matter. Jordan should also speak to Bobby later, in a more private environment, to ask him if he is considering suicide. Sometimes people make jokes about suicide in an attempt to reach out for help.
(T/F) If I go to the counseling center my parents will be called and I'll be sent to the hospital for evaluation.
False. The counseling center preserves confidentiality and will not tell anyone what you say, or even that you were there unless there is a serious concern for your safety or the safety of someone else. The counseling does not often send students to the hospital either, unless they are concerned for your immediate safety.
In the 1600s this was used in thermometers instead of mercury.
What is Brandy?