Feelings & Emotions
This emotion is often called a "secondary emotion" because it usually covers up something underneath, like hurt or fear.
What is "Anger"?
This kind of breathing — slow, from your belly — activates the body's calming system.
"Deep Breathing"
Poor sleep can make symptoms of anxiety and depression do this.
What is get worse?
Having a regular daily one of these — with consistent wake times, meals, and activities — helps stabilize mood and reduce anxiety.
What is a routine?
True or false: You can just "snap out of" depression if you try hard enough.
What is false?
This uncomfortable feeling can actually be helpful because it warns us about real danger.
What is "Anxiety"?
This technique uses your five senses to bring you back to the present when you feel overwhelmed.
GROUNDING
This chemical messenger in the brain is often linked to mood, and many antidepressants target it.
What is serotonin?
This three-digit number connects you to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
What is 988?
True or false: Mental illness is more common than most people think — about 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences it each year.
What is true?
This emotion involves feeling bad about something you did, while shame is feeling bad about who you are.
What is "Guilt"?
Replacing a thought like "I'm a failure" with "I'm struggling, but I'm trying" is called this.
REFRAMING
Limiting time on this can improve mood, sleep, and self-esteem
What is social media (also will accept "screens" or "phone")?
Someone with lived experience of mental health or recovery who supports others is called this. (Hint - Jackson is one of these)
What is a peer support specialist (also accept "peer")?
True or false: Medication is the only effective treatment for mental illness.
What is false? (Therapy, peer support, lifestyle, and community all play a role.)
This term describes the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions.
"Emotional Intelligence"
Coping skills that make you feel better in the moment but cause harm later — like avoiding or using substances — are called this kind of coping.
What is unhealthy (or maladaptive) coping?
This term means saying no, protecting your time, and not letting others overstep — key for mental health.
What are boundaries?
A return of symptoms after a period of doing well is called this.
What is a relapse (accept "setback")?
This word describes negative stereotypes and judgment around mental illness — and it keeps many people from seeking help.
What is stigma?
When you feel two opposite emotions at the same time — like happy and sad — it's called this.
What is "Ambivalence" or "Mixed Feelings"?
This evidence-based therapy focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
What is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)?
Habits like avoiding screens before bed, keeping your room cool and dark, and going to sleep at the same time each night are all part of this.
What is sleep hygiene?
This common type of medication helps balance brain chemistry for people with depression.
What are antidepressants (accept SSRIs)?
True or false: People with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than to commit it.
What is true?