Mental Health Basics
What does the term mental health mean?
A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, how we think, feel, and act.
Myth or Fact: Mental health problems are rare.
Myth. 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year. (that's 20%!)
Around 23.4% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2024, which equates to about 61.5 million people
Approximately 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States (around 20%) have a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder in any given year. More specifically, data from 2022–2023 shows that 11% of children have diagnosed anxiety, 8% have diagnosed behavior disorders, and 4% have diagnosed depression
What is a coping skill?
Any strategy that helps a person manage stress, emotions, or difficult situations.
This British royal has spoken publicly about therapy and mental health awareness.
Prince Harry (or Meghan Markle).
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have discussed mental health by emphasizing that speaking out about struggles can help others feel less alone and reduce stigma. They have been open about their own use of therapy and how they prioritize their mental well-being. They also advocate for safer social media practices and highlight the impact of online harms on youth mental health, stating that "silence is killing people".
True or False: Everyone has mental health.
True! Mental health is part of overall health, just like physical health.
Myth or Fact: People with mental illness can’t get better.
Myth. Recovery is possible with treatment, support, and coping strategies.
Name one healthy coping skill for stress.
Deep breathing, journaling, exercise, talking to a friend, grounding techniques, mindfulness, etc.
This Olympic gymnast withdrew from events in 2021 to prioritize her mental health.
Simone Biles.
Biles has shared her experiences with anxiety, depression, and the impact of sexual abuse she endured as a young gymnast. She has spoken openly about the importance of seeking professional help and has encouraged others to prioritize their mental well-being.
Name one factor that can affect mental health.
Genetics, environment, stress, trauma, relationships, sleep, nutrition, etc.
Myth or Fact: Talking about suicide can make someone more likely to attempt it.
Myth. Talking openly can actually reduce risk and help people feel supported.
True or False: Avoidance is always a healthy coping strategy.
False. Avoidance might help short-term, but can make stress worse long-term.
This singer of “Truth Hurts” has spoken about therapy and body image acceptance.
Lizzo.
Lizzo has spoken openly about her struggles with depression and anxiety, noting that her mental health issues stemmed from things like body image issues in the media, the pressure of fame, etc.. She has shared that she uses tools like breathing, gratitude, therapy. She also emphasizes the importance of self-love, protecting one's peace, and taking back control of one's own narrative.
What is the difference between mental health and mental illness?
Mental health is a state of well-being; mental illness involves conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Everyone has mental health, not everyone has a mental illness.
Myth or Fact: Mental illness is caused by personal weakness.
Myth. It’s influenced by many biological, psychological, and social factors, not weakness.
What is mindfulness?
Paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
This actor and comedian, known for his openness about bipolar disorder, starred in Silver Linings Playbook.
Bradley Cooper.
Bradley Cooper has spoken about his personal struggles with addiction and mental health, emphasizing the importance of therapy and sobriety for his own recovery and self-esteem. He has also used his platform to advocate for reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly after working on the film Silver Linings Playbook. He stresses that mental health issues are common and encourages people not to be scared or walk away from those who are struggling.
What are some signs that someone might be struggling with their mental health?
Withdrawal, changes in mood, sleep, appetite, motivation, energy, or difficulty concentrating.
Myth or Fact: Seeking therapy means you’re “crazy.”
Myth. Therapy is a tool for growth and self-awareness, anyone can benefit.
What’s one coping strategy that helps you personally when you’re overwhelmed?
Open-ended... invite discussion
This Disney Channel actor and singer has a bipolar disorder diagnosis and advocates for mental health.
Demi Lovato.
Demi Lovato has spoken about mental health as a personal journey of seeking and receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis, which they found a relief. They have advocated for the de-stigmatization of mental illness through public campaigns like Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health and by sharing their experiences with substance use, eating disorders, and depression. Lovato emphasizes that a diagnosis is not a person's identity and that finding the right medication and building a support system are crucial for living a fulfilling life.