Resources
Myth or Fact:
Posting your problems on social media is a good outlet for stress. Friends will come to your rescue and the person you are posting about will realize they have hurt your feelings and make a change.
MYTH!
Posting your problems on social media will only perpetuate your problem. Others will feed the drama and it is likely more problems will ensue. You are only giving everyone the right to have an opinion about your situation when it should be private.
A better outlet for this is journaling about your feelings and/or speak to a trusted friend or adult.
Myth or Fact:
You can't show signs of a mental health challenge before age 14
MYTH!
1/2 of all mental health challenges show first signs before age 14.
3/4 of all mental health challenges begin before age 24.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of our mental challenges provided by trained mental health professionals. Psychotherapy explores thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and seeks to improve an individual's well-being.
Name at least 3 symptoms of Depression.
1. Loss of interest in activities you once loved
2. Inability to concentrate
3. Insomnia
4. Self-loathing ( beating yourself up)
5. Unexplained aches and pains
6. Psycho-motor impairment ( slowing of speech, generally taking longer to do everyday things)
7. Fatigue, tiredness, loss of energy
8. Constant Depressed mood
9. Anger or irritability
10. Continually restless
Myth or Fact:
It is illegal for School counselors to tell your guardians, principal, etc, information which has been discussed during a 1:1 session.
MYTH!
School counselors have to report 3 things:
1. If a student discloses an intent to harm themselves
2. If a student has disclosed an intent to harm another person
3. If a student discloses that someone else has hurt them.
Myth or Fact:
People with Mental Health challenge are dangerous and unpredictable.
MYTH!
Most people with mental health challenges are not harmful. You probably know someone with a mental health challenge and don't even realize it, because they are highly active and productive members of our communities. However, if you see signs of danger or harmful behavior, you should make sure you're safe & seek help.
True or False- admitting that something is wrong is giving up on yourself.
FALSE. Admitting you are having problems or facing challenges is often very hard to do, and asking for help is a sign of strength and willingness to work through what you are experiencing.
Name at least 3 symptoms of Anxiety.
1. Fixation on the outcome of events
2. Restlessness and difficulty concentrating
3. Problems with decision making
4. Worrying about potential stress
5. Fatigue, irritability, and headaches
6. Sweating without physical exertion
7. Shortness of breath
8. Insomnia
9. Irrational fears
10. Chronic indigestion
List 5 adults you would seek if you are experiencing symptoms of mental health.
- Parent or adult relative
- Doctor or nurse
- School Counselor
- Teacher
- Coach
- Police Officer
Myth or Fact:
People with Mental Health challenges will not get better.
Myth. Once diagnosed, it is treatable. Most people with mental health challenges live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their symptoms.
True or False:
A person can face multiple mental challenges at once.
True.
Example: Anxiousness and Depressed Mood
Many times, if one challenge or issue is left untreated, it can lead to symptoms of other mental health problems.
You notice a friend who seems less interested in spending time with friends and has been skipping classes. Your friend also stopped going to practice, despite this being their favorite sport. When you ask your friend what is wrong, they say "Nothing. I'll be fine." This friend starts to come to school seemingly no longer taking care of themselves, clothes are dirty, hair is unkempt, never has their homework, etc.
Do you
a) tell your other friends about how this friend is cranky.
b) do nothing because your friend knows better and this is their problem.
c) tell their sibling
d) none of the above
D) none of the above
You should first find a way to show your friend that you care about them and listen to what they have to say. If they decide to confide in you, don't share their business with other students. Encourage your friend to speak with the school counselor. If you are still worried about your friend you now have 2 options:
1) speak to your parent or guardian and ask them for help
2) speak to a school staff member which you are comfortable with and ask them for help (chances are they have noticed a change in your friend as well)
Myth of Fact:
Having a college education and living in a safe neighborhood make you less likely to have symptoms of a mental health diagnosis.
MYTH!
Mental Health symptoms DO NOT discriminate!
Myth or Fact:
Medication cures Mental Health issues.
Myth!
Medication does not outright cure mental health issues. However, it may help with the management of symptoms. Medication paired with psychotherapy is the most effective way to promote treatment.
Name 3 reason why people hesitate to get help
They don't want to "burden anyone else with their problems", it is hard to talk about, it makes them feel vulnerable, fear of being judged, stigma, don't know who to tell, don't think the problem is "serious enough", asking for help is "giving up", no resources available Facts: Your friends and family will feel worse if you don't come talk to them if you need help/ need to talk. They are your friends and family for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad! Don't be afraid to talk about it!
True of false:
If your friend tells you that they are going to harm themselves and they make you promise to keep it a secret, you should always respect their wishes and keep it a secret.
False. If you are concerned for their safety, tell a trusted adult who can help. It is better to have a friend who is safe and mad at you. If you think they are serious, do not hesitate to ask for help.