Myth Busters
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100

Anyone can develop a mental illness

Anyone can experience an issue that affects his/her mental health. Statistics show that 1/4 persons will be affected by a mental health problem/illness in their lifetime

100

Name 3 symptoms of Depression

•Extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness or worthlessness

•Changes in appetite

•Changes in sleeping habits

•Social withdrawl

•Loss of interest in activities

•Trouble concentrating

100

Describe anxiety disorders

The term "anxiety disorder" refers to specific psychiatric disorders that involve extreme fear or worry, and includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD),  panic disorder and panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder and specific phobias.

100

Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health problems.

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.

200

Males attempt suicide more often than females do

Females attempt suicide more often than males but males are more successful at suicide because they usually use more lethal methods

200

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•personality changes or withdrawn behaviour

•hoarding medication

•giving away prized possessions

•lack of interest in future plans

•isolation from friends and colleagues

•depression

200

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?

All anxiety disorders share some general symptoms:

  • Panic, fear, and uneasiness
  • Sleep problems
  • Not being able to stay calm and still
  • Cold, sweaty, numb or tingling hands or feet
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Tense muscles
  • Dizziness
200

 If you find the right words to say and spend enough time with them, you can cause your friend to get better when they are experiencing a mental health issue.

Being there to support your loved one is crucial! But you are not a professional; encourage them to get professional help and accompany them if necessary. Encourage them to stay on their medication regimen and to follow the directives of the professional

300

Persons with mental illnesses are dangerous

No. Not all mental illness manifests in dangerous behaviours

300

Explain what BiPolar Disorder is

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). 

Symptoms of Mania

  • Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
  • Increased activity, energy or agitation
  • Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Unusual talkativeness
  • Racing thoughts
  • Distractibility
  • Poor decision-making — for example, going on shopping sprees, taking sexual risks or making foolish investments
300

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)

BiPolar Disorder

300

Name 3 reasons 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 think the problem is "serious enough

400

If someone in your family has a mental illness, you are more likely to develop one as well.

SOME mental illnesses (such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia) are hereditary in nature. This means that children may therefore have genetic predispositions but genetics are not the only factors that can cause the onset of mental illness- environmental factors, stress/trauma and one's resilience/coping skills play a role

400

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 behaviour

•hoarding medication

•giving away prized possessions

•lack of interest in future plans

•isolation from friends and colleagues

•depression

400

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

400

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,

•tell someone if you feel they may harm themselves

•don't judge

500

If you have a mental illness, you can will it or pray it away.

A serious mental illness cannot be willed away. Ignoring the problem does not make it go away. It takes courage to seek professional help.

500

This disorder is characterized by depression and anxiety as well as flashbacks. It is common among victims of crimes or trauma. Explain

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

500

What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by abnormal behavior, strange speech, and a decreased ability to understand reality. Other symptoms include false beliefs, unclear or confused thinking, hearing voices that do not exist, reduced social engagement and emotional expression, and lack of motivation.

500

Name 3 places you can go to for help if you are experiencing mental health challenges

Your Doctor

Psychologist/Psychiatrist

Guidance Counsellor

Jamaica Mental Health Advocacy Network

Family Life Ministries

Caribbean Tots to Teens

Community for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill

Caribbean Graduate School of Theology (CGST) Counselling Center

Church Site Counselling Initiative

Bethel Baptist Church Health Center