Myth Busters
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
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
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.
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.
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
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•personality changes or withdrawn behaviour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
What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?
All anxiety disorders share some general symptoms:
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
Persons with mental illnesses are dangerous
No. Not all mental illness manifests in dangerous behaviours
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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