Signs and Symptoms
This disorder is a combination of a manic phase (a sudden onset of exhilaration and excessive good mood), and a depressive phase (feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and prolonged sadness)
Bi-polar disorder
Mental Health Issues are rare
Myth. Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 24 report a mental disorder, substance abuse or learning disability. Between 15 and 20 percent of the Canadian adolescent population suffers from a mental disorder at one time or another.
True or False- admitting that something is wrong is giving up on yourself.
FALSE. Admitting you are having problems is often very hard to do and asking for help is a sign of strength and willingness to work through what you are experiencing.
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 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.
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
People with mental illnesses will not get better
Myth. Once diagnosed mental illness is treatable. While it is not usually “cured” it can be effectively managed.
Name 3 places/people you can go to on-campus at EMU to talk to if you are having a hard time or think you might have a mental health problem.
Individual Counseling
Groups and Workshops
Psychiatric Services
rue/ False- Emu Counseling and Psychological services are open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
TRUE
This disorder is characterized by depression and anxiety as well as flashbacks. It is common among victims of crimes and people in the military.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mental disorders are a consequence of bad parenting or personal weakness.
Myth. The main risk factors for mental illness are not bad parenting or personal weakness but rather genetics, severe and prolonged stress (such as physical or sexual abuse), or other environmental influences.
True or false- Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health problems.
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.
Name 3 things you can do to help a friend who thinks they may have a mental health problem.
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 :), if it is serious tell someone, don't judge, ask someone for advice
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" What Event does this describe?
Panic Attack/ Anxiety attack
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.
True of 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.
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. you can also write things down before your appointment to feel more comfortable.
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 your don) will feel worse if you don't come talk to them if you need help/ need to talk. They are your friends (and your don) for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad! don't be afraid to talk about it!
Name 3 signs that a person could be suicidal
direct suicide threats such as “I want to die,” or indirect threats such as “You would be better off without me”/ personality changes or withdrawn behavior/ hoarding medication/ giving away prized possessions/ lack of interest in future plans/ isolation from friends and colleagues/ depression/
Males attempt suicide more often than females do.
Myth. Females attempt approximately 4 times as often. However males have a higher rate of death. because men use more violent methods.
What is the extension for EMU after hour crisis counseling?
Call CAPS at 734-487-1118 for after-hours crisis counseling.
True or False. Mental illnesses are a consequence of a weakness in character.
False