Mental Health & Pop Culture
Name two female athletes that prioritized their mental health and made the decision to not compete in major competitions
Simone Biles & Naomi Osaka
Name 3 coping skills that someone can use to manage their anxiety
Deep breathing, art, talking with a trusted support, going on a walk, journaling
At what age is your brain fully developed?
25
True or false: Teens don't need their parent or guardian's permission to initiate therapy
False: Parents need to give their consent for therapy. Similarly, it's important that kids/teens give their assent for therapy as well
Name two physical symptoms that occur when someone is struggling with their mental health
Headaches, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, pain in areas of the body
True or False: Major sports teams are required to have a mental health professional on staff
True
Name three people you could reach out to if you or someone you're close to is struggling with their mental health
Close friend, therapist, teacher, family member, religious leader, mentor, boss
Does marijuana impact brain development?
Yes!
True or false: Your primary care doctor should ask you about your mental health in medical visits
Name two protective factors that help someone when they're struggling with their mental health?
Social support, a trusted person to confide in, being involved in activities that bring joy, getting enough sleep, healthy stress management strategies, self-esteem, a sense of safety, etc.
Is TikTok a definite reliable source of medical information?
No - although there are many reputable accounts that share accurate information, social media is not a reliable source to get medical information
Name two unhealthy coping skills and explain why they're unhealthy.
Substance use, isolation, keeping things bottled up, self-harm, risky behaviors/decision making
What are at least two types of automatic responses that someone might have from a traumatic event?
Fight, flight, freeze, fawn
If you're a teenager, are you able to have a confidential visit with you primary care doctor without your parents/caregivers knowing?
Yes, and this is allowed and protected legally at any age
True or false: medications typically used for depression in teens have addictive properties
False! This is a very common misconception when it comes to medications used to treat depression. There are no components of the medication that are addictive or create dependence.
Name three celebrities that have been open about their struggles with mental health
Demi Lovato, Simone Biles, Selena Gomez, Naomi Osaka, Beyonce, Adele, Nicki Minaj, Lebron James, Lady Gaga, Ben Simmons, Serena Williams
Name the type of provider who typically prescribes medication for mental health
Psychiatrist. But, your primary care doctor is also able to prescribe and manage medication too!
Name the neurotransmitter that is most often associated with depression
Serotonin
What diagnosis is most over-diagnosed in boys, but under diagnosed in girls?
BONUS: Why is this?
ADHD
BONUS: Boys tend to have more externalizing behaviors with ADHD, whereas girls tend to have more internalizing behaviors
What are exceptions to confidentiality in therapy?
Someone is at imminent risk of hurting themselves, at imminent risk of hurting others, suspected child abuse, for certain court proceedings when the records are requested by the judge
What artist had a song title with the number for the suicide hotline?
BONUS: What is the NEW number for the suicide hotline?
Logic
Bonus: 988
What is considered the most important component to successful therapy?
A trusting relationship between the therapist and client
What is the name of the "emotion center" of the brain?
Amygdala
About 19%
What is the name of the group of the most commonly prescribed medication for anxiety/depression?
BONUS: Explain how they work
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
BONUS: The medication blocks the reuptake of serotonin by neural receptors, leaving more serotonin in the brain. More serotonin = improved mood