Myths vs. Facts
True or False: Talking about mental health makes things worse.
False. Having an open conversation about mental health has multiple benefits – not just for the people who may struggle with mental health challenges but also for the community, especially as it can help reduce stigma.
Noticing and expressing good things about your life is a coping strategy known as ________
Gratitude
True or False: "neuroplasticity" refers to the texture of your brain, which is like plastic.
FALSE. Neuroplasticity is the brain's capacity to change, adapt, and reorganize its neural connections in response to experience, learning, injury, or environmental stimuli throughout a person's life.
Define mental health stigma.
This is the term used to describe negative attitudes or beliefs about people with mental health conditions.
This is a common and serious condition that negatively affects mood, the way you think, and how you act.
Depression
True or false: all stress is bad.
False. Some stress can be motivating and is a natural reaction your body has to certain events. It can sometimes give us an "extra push". When stress becomes too much to handle, that might be an indication to start making some positive mental health changes
This is a simple technique that is excellent for managing emotions and regulating the nervous system. You don't need any special tools, and it is also discreet and easy to use at any time and any place.
Deep Breathing
Which part of the brain is responsible for executive functions such as planning, decision-making, controlling impulses, and regulating emotions?
The prefrontal cortex, or PFC
True or false: stigma is one of the main reasons people avoid seeking help for mental health issues
True. Along with a lack of access to services and a lack of understanding about mental health.
True or False: Medication and therapy are the most successful tools in dealing with mental health challenges.
What is TRUE?
True or false: Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness.
False: Therapy can be beneficial for anyone, not just those with mental illness. While therapy is an essential tool for treating conditions such as depression and anxiety, many people find that it is also useful for navigating the daily stressors of life, including school and relationships.
What are two things that can promote positive mental health?
Exercise, mindfulness, positive friendships, talking about your problems, having an outlet for anger and frustration, getting enough sleep, eating healthy...??
Which brain structure is central to processing emotions, especially fear, and serves as a "danger detector" by triggering the fight-or-flight response?
The amygdala
This feeling may occur when someone avoids talking about their mental health challenges due to fear of being judged.
Shame.
Name 3 things you can do to help a friend who is struggling with their mental health.
Listen to them, spend time with them, encourage them to seek help, help them make appointments/go with them. If it is serious then tell someone else
True or false: people with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
False. The vast majority of people with mental health issues are no more likely to be violent than anyone else.
How many hours of sleep per night do 13 - 18-year-olds need to maintain energy, focus, emotional regulation, and a strong immune system?
8 - 10 hours per night.
At what approximate age does your brain finish developing?
Around 25 years old.
True or false: casually saying things like "I'm so OCD" or "I have PTSD from that test" can contribute to mental health stigma.
True. People without a clinical diagnosis should find more accurate terms to describe their experiences.
A sudden, overpowering fright response or feeling of terror for no known reason is an example of this.
What is a Panic Attack?
True or false: personality flaws or weakness are the root cause of most mental health problems.
False: mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak. Many factors contribute, including genetics and family history, brain chemistry, injury, or physical illness, and life experiences.
True or False: the opposite of a growth mindset is a depressed mindset.
False: the opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed mindset.
What are the three most common stress responses (bonus if you can name more!)
Fight, Flight, Freeze, Flop, Fawn.
True or false: most characterizations of mental illness in media, film, and TV are fairly accurate.
False. Media portrayals of mental health and substance use disorders are often misconstrued and sensationalized. Unfortunately, this negative attention perpetuates harmful stereotypes and makes the fight against stigma a challenge.
Hopelessness and helplessness can lead to what?
Self-harm or suicidal ideation.
Myth or fact: Mental health issues affect only a small number of people.
False. Mental health conditions are common and affect a large portion of the population at some point in their lives. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lifetime.
Describe the 5-4-3-2-1 Coping Strategy
A technique that asks you to find things you can see, smell, hear, touch, and taste (5 senses) to calm down when feeling anxious or distressed.
Which neurochemical is responsible for reward and motivation, and plays a key role in signaling the brain to prioritize valuable activities, feel pleasure, and drive goal-seeking behaviors?
Does mental health stigma impact males and females in the same way?
No. Men and boys are more likely to conceal or minimize mental health struggles due to social stigma associating it with "weakness".
True or false: anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder) has the highest mortality rate among mental health conditions.
True. Anorexia nervosa is linked to the highest mortality rate of all mental health conditions, and signs of a potential eating disorder should always be taken seriously.