Let's Be Real (Myth or Fact)
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Fact.
The proportion of the global population living with depression is estimated to be 322 million people—4.4% of the world’s population.
Anxiety disorders affect more than 260 million people—3.6% of the global population. The prevalence of these common mental disorders is increasing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with many people experiencing both depression and anxiety disorders simultaneously.
This disorder is associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. What is it?
Bi-Polar Disorder / Manic Depression
True or False - Seeking help for mental illness will lead to being ostracized and make symptoms worse.
DAILY DOUBLE!
False.
When you do have the strength, courage and bravery to open up to someone else, you are working to alleviate the stigma, increase awareness, empower yourself, grow as a person, and promote understanding of mental health. So don’t let others perceptions scare you from getting the help you need.
Yes or No - Are you helping your friend if they come talk to you and you don't have any advice to give them?
Yes.
By being open and letting them vent about what's going on, you are helping to alleviate their stress and get things off of their chest. You are not a professional (or maybe you are, who knows), and you can't expect to have all the answers. Sometimes just listening is all they need.
This practice involves continuous redirection of our focus onto the present moment.
Mindfulness
Most people with mental health issues receive assistance through services.
Myth.
Nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness did not receive mental health services in the previous year.
Nearly 50% of youth aged 8-15 didn’t receive mental health services in the previous year.
Name 3 symptoms of depression.
Feelings of despair and hopelessness - Feeling detached from life and those around you - Continued fatigue or loss of energy – Feelings of sadness – Crying for no apparent reason - Inability to concentrate or make decisions - Thoughts of suicide - Changes in eating or sleeping patterns - Persistent or recurring headaches or frequent gastrointestinal upsets - Losing interest in activities that are enjoyed
Name 3 people you can talk to if you are struggling.
Doctor – Social Work – Case Manager – Patient Advocate – BHTs – Nurses – Activity Therapists – Peers – Calling your support system over the phone
True or 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 someone. Talk to someone who can help. It is better to have a friend who is alive and mad at you than to lose a friend. If you think they are serious about attempting suicide, do not be afraid to call 911.
This behavior, often seen in individuals with depression, can have a negative impact on our social support.
Isolation.
More men are affected by depression than women.
Myth.
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. Depression can occur at any age.
This disorder is characterized by depression and anxiety as well as flashbacks. It is common among victims of crimes and people in the military. What is it?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
True or False - Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health issues.
False.
Medication can be helpful, and is sometimes necessary depending on the severity of the issue, but other methods such as therapy and counselling can also be very helpful. Talk to a doctor about all of your different options.
True or False - If you find the right words to say and spend enough time with them, you can assist your friend in ridding them of their mental health issue.
DAILY DOUBLE!
False.
Temporarily you can make them feel better, but if there is an underlying cause making them feel bad, you can't fix it on your own. Sometimes helping a friend through something like this is challenging and frustrating because you cannot instantly make everything better. Being patient is key, and realizing that they need to be able to work out their own problem is needed to avoid burning yourself out. You can be a huge support for them, but ultimately you cannot fix everything.
True or False: One can only be "living well" if they have absolutely no symptoms of mental illness or stress.
False.
We know in this group that discomfort is part of life and that we can find ways to live well even when/if having active symptoms.
If someone in your family has a mental illness, you are more likely to develop one as well.
Fact.
Although you will not necessarily develop any kind of mental illness, if someone in your family has a mental disorder you will be at higher risk.
This disorder is characterized by a disconnection from reality. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, talking incoherently, and agitation. The person with the condition usually isn't aware of his or her behavior. What is the disorder?
DAILY DOUBLE!
Psychosis
Schizophrenia is characterized by thoughts or experiences that seem out of touch with reality, disorganized speech or behavior, and decreased participation in daily activities. Difficulty with concentration and memory may also be present.
True or False - You need to know exactly what you're going to say and how you're going to say it before you talk to a counselor/therapist.
False.
Counselors are there to listen to whatever is troubling you, and you can open up to them at a pace that you are comfortable with.
Tip: If you feel like you might get nervous and freeze up, it often helps to write things down before your appointment. This also helps you to organize your thoughts and put things in perspective.
Name 3 things you can do to help a friend who thinks they may have a mental health issue.
Listen to them - Spend time with them - Encourage them to seek help - Go with them to appointments/Help them make appointments - Show them that you care – Don’t judge – Ask someone for advice – If it is serious, tell someone
The urge to put off tasks or meaningful activities with distractions, that can reduce our ability to achieve our goals.
Avoidance.
Around 1 in 5 of the world's children and adolescents have a mental disorder.
DAILY DOUBLE!
True.
Mental health problems are very common.
In 2014, about: One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue. One in 10 young people experienced a period of major depression. One in 25 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
More than 43 million Americans struggle with mental illness.
What event is this describing? "Sweating, nausea, trembling and numbness in the legs or hands, dizziness, hot or cold flashes, a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, hyperventilation, “jelly” legs or blurred vision can develop. Individuals may even feel like they are going to die of a heart attack".
Panic attack / Anxiety attack
True or False - Having your treatment plan controlled by a medical professional in mental health is better than you assisting in the design of your own treatment plan.
False.
When people are directly involved in designing their own treatment plan, including defining recovery and wellness goals, choosing services that support them and evaluating treatment decisions and progress , the experience of care and outcomes are improved.
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 will feel worse if you don't come talk to them if you need help / need to talk. They are your friends for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad! Don't be afraid to talk about it!
Doing this selectively, based on our trust level with another person or the context of our current environment, can help us deepen our relationships and get our needs met.