Brain-Body Connection
Q: Name two physical signs that you might be experiencing fight or flight?
A: Heart rate increases, sweating, shaking, Senses Sharpens, Heavier Breathing, Adrenaline Kicks In
Q: I have a really hard time falling asleep at night, my mind seems to always be racing and I can’t settle down. What are two practices to improve my sleep hygiene?
A: Putting your phone away before bed, not drinking caffeine after 2pm
Q: Name 2 places you can go for a nature walk in Wolfville (parks or trails).
A: Millennial trail, Dykes, Reservoir, Harvest Moon Trail, Botanical Gardens, woodland trail
Q: True or False: You can always tell when someone is experiencing a mental health concern.
A: False. We don't always know if or when someone is experiencing mental health concerns
Q: Despite its bad rap, stress can be a helpful emotion in healthy levels. What is one way that stress (in moderation) can be helpful for students?
A: focusing during exams, having a hard conversation, trying something new, exercise, etc.
Q: This practice involves focusing on the present moment, often through breathing exercises or meditation, to reduce stress and improve mental health
A: What is mindfulness?
Q: I have been feeling so stressed and busy with exams, but I have a couple of hours to myself tomorrow. What are three activities I could do that might help me feel a little less overwhelmed?
A: Listen to music - Talk to someone - Go for a walk - Mindfulness - Workout/Exercise - Drawing/Art - Sleep/Nap - Journaling - Watch tv shows or movies
Q: Where in Wolfville can you go ice skating and rent skates for free?
A: Acadia Athletics Complex
Q: A common myth about this mental health disorder is that they are just "feeling sad" or that they can "snap out of it."
A: Depression
Q: When experiencing overwhelming or challenging feelings, people can numb to avoid feeling them. When this happens these types of feelings can also be dampened.
A: Feelings of joy, excitement, and happiness
Q: What are 2 examples of when someone might experience a positive stressor?
A: Engaging in a challenge, coming in first place in a race, getting a promotion at your job, falling in love, getting married, childbirth, riding a roller coaster, etc.
Q: My friend confided in me that they have been feeling really anxious and depressed. What are three ways I can support my friend?
A: Listen to them, spend time with them, encourage them to seek help, etc.
Q: Where can you listen to live music for free every Saturday morning in Wolfville?
A: Wolfville Farmers Market
Q: If a student is experiencing discrimination, where on Campus could they go for advice?
A: The Human Rights and Equity Office
Q: Name two things you have learned from Coffee Chai Chat, over the semester or year?
A: Personal insight, coping strategies (sleep, anxiety, etc.), an exercise/practice, education about mental health, more!
Q: When facing stressors, humans often go into stress responses known as the four F’s which include fight, flight, freeze, and _______ (named after a baby animal).
A: Fawn!
Q: Every time I sit down to study, I feel defeated because if I don’t understand something I think “I’ll never pass this class”. What is one way I could reframe this unhelpful thought?
A: “I need to be patient with myself as I learn how to do this or “I don’t know how to do this yet, but I can learn”
Q: From late spring to early fall, what organization hosts programming for community members to cook, eat and connect with each other?
A: The Community Oven (on front street)
Q:_____________ are Indirect, subtle, intentional or unintentional, discrimination against members of a marginalized group that can have negative impacts on one’s mental and physical health.
A: Microaggressions
Q: What is a healthy boundary and how can they positively impact our mental health?
A: Boundaries help us meet our own needs, help develop our identity and independence, help build healthy relationships, is respectful to others and enables us to use our energy in good ways to take care of ourselves.
Q: Name the 2 parts of the autonomic nervous system that are responsible for the fight, flight and freeze and the calming response (rest and digest).
A: Sympathetic- fight, flight, freeze and the parasympathetic- calming
Q: I get really anxious writing exams, but I can’t do any of the activities that usually help ground me because I have to stay at my desk. What is one thing I can do to regulate myself using just my body?
A: Practice deep breathing exercises, Bilateral stimulation
Q: Where in Wolfville can you read a book, check your email and learn to use a sewing machine, all for free?
A: Wolfville Public Library
A: What is the term for: Chronic psychological stress experienced by members of oppressed groups due to societal prejudice, discrimination, and stigma.
Q: Minority Stress
Q: What are three things you can do to help reduce stigma around mental health?
A: Promote open conversations, educate yourself and others about mental health, use inclusive language, and challenge negative stereotypes and discriminatory behaviors, etc.