Mental Health
What does it mean to have good mental health?
Feeling emotionally in balance; being able to be present; manage the stress of everyday things
True or False: Stress can be healthy and/or unhealthy.
True
What is the definition of a healthy coping skill?
something safe that helps you to feel good and express your thoughts/emotions.
How may hours of sleep should a teen try to get every night?
8-10 hours
Why might eating a full bag of Taki's everyday be bad for you?
Highly processed food, sodium levels, increase amount of acid in stomach
Describe a stress response.
Fight, flight, freeze
Name three life circumstances that can cause someone to feel stressed.
There are numerous examples. A few include: being bullied, family issues, trauma, moving, friendship concerns, a breakup, even school and sports.
Name two adults that you could reach out to if you needed support and/or wanted to talk.
Answers will vary.
Why might it be discouraged to use a tablet, phone, laptop just before bed?
Devices with backlit screens communicate to the body to be awake and alert.
What is an example of a healthy fat?
Olive oil, avocado, nuts
Describe the various quadrants of the Mood Meter - what is on the x-axis? The y-axis?
The mood meter considers energy and pleasantness of thought. If you have high energy and high pleasant thoughts, you are in the green zoon. High energy and low pleasant would be the red zone. All feelings are valid!
How might people know they are stressed? Name two stress responses.
accelerated heart rate, headache, stomachache, irritability, sweating, shaking
What are four examples of healthy coping skills?
Journaling, deep breathing, mindfulness, going for a walk, talking, playing with a pet, listening to music
Why do teens need more sleep than adults?
The brain is still developing until the mid-20s.
Approximately how many ounces of water should a teen be drinking every day?
Approximately 50 ounces. Another suggestion is your weight divided by 2.
Why is exercise good for our mental health?
The body releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that help to make us feel good.
True or False: Panic attacks can be controlled.
True. With the help of therapy and heathy coping strategies, panic attacks can be controlled and managed.
How would you define unhealthy coping skills? AND give an example of one.
Something that might feel better in the moment but causes more harm. Examples include alcohol and other drugs.
What are two healthy ways to wind down before bed?
Name three foods that are high in iron (but not an animal product).
lentils, beans, tofu, spinach, broccoli, nuts, seeds, fortified cereals, quinoa
Why might someone be reluctant to see a mental health professional?
Embarrassed (stigma), culture, expensive, nervous about sharing
Name four broad factors that contribute to someone's ability to manage stress.
Nutrition, sleep, exercise, coping skills
Give two examples of breathing techniques.
deep, cleansing breaths, box breathing, figure eight breathing, 4-7-8 breathing
How does not getting enough sleep impact wellness?
You might be more tired, have difficulty concentrating, lack energy
It is ideal to eat three balanced meals with healthy snacks daily. What food groups does a balanced meal consist of? (hint - 6 things. Name four)
Fruits, vegetables, dairy, lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats.