Name That Emotion
Your friend texts you to tell you that they miss you, you might feel
Happy/Loved
What message might you be sending if you learn forward and look someone in the eye while they talk to you?
You are listening/paying attention/care
This object is a squishy sphere that you could use when anxious or fidgety.
Stress ball
Name a good way AND a bad way to handle this situation: You bump into someone while walking in the hallway.
Good: saying "excuse me," apologizing Bad: saying "hey, watch it," "get out of my way" "move it, lady/mister"
Myth or Fact: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
Myth! Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including: -Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry -Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse -Family history of mental health problems
Your sibling comes into your room without knocking and will not leave you alone, you might feel
Angry
What message might you be sending if your arms are crossed and you're tapping your foot while talking to someone?
You are irritated/defensive/annoyed/angry/impatient
This skill requires a radio, iPod, or concert.
Listening to music
Name a good way AND a bad way to handle this situation: Someone cuts in front of you in the lunch line.
Good: "hey, I think you just cut me in line - can I have my space back please?" - letting it go if you aren't in a hurry - asking an adult for help if you feel yourself becoming angry and out of control Bad: "hey, that's my spot" and shoving the person back - getting involved in a loud argument
Myth or Fact: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Pills can cure any mental illness.
Myth! Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both.
You get invited to go to the movies with your friends and your parent tells you that you can go, you might feel
Excited
What message might you be sending if you are standing close to another person, frowning, and pointing at them?
You are angry
Walking, swimming, jogging, lifting weights, using a treadmill, and playing sports are examples of this coping skill.
Exercise
Name a good way AND a bad way to handle this situation: You're playing with your brother and he's not doing what you want him to be doing.
Good: ask yourself, "do I need to be in charge right now, or is it okay that he is doing what he wants?" - asking him politely to do something else and explaining why you think so Bad: getting bossy, yelling at him, pushing/hitting/kicking
Myth or Fact: Mental health problems are common.
Fact! For example, 1 in 10 Americans have experienced depression.
Your birthday party that you have been planning with your friends for 3 months gets cancelled due to Corona Virus, you might feel
Disappointed
What message might you be sending if you are sitting against a wall with your arms crossed over your knees and your head is down?
You are sad/upset
This skill doesn't require talking. A pencil and paper are all you need to express your thoughts.
Journaling/ Drawing
Name a good way AND a bad way to handle this situation: Your mom yells at you for something your sister did.
Good: wait for your mom to stop speaking before explaining what happened - accepting a consequence if you were also involved Bad: yelling back, throwing a tantrum
Myth or Fact: People with mental health problems are not more violent than those without.
Fact! Only 3%-5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.
You walk into class and the class starts laughing as soon as you walk in, you might feel
Embarrassed
What message might you be sending if you are doing something else, avoiding eye contact, and not responding while someone is talking to you?
You are ignoring them
This skill can take practice, but can involve quieting your mind and creating a sense of calm.
Mindfulness/meditation
Name a good way AND a bad way to handle this situation: Your friend accidentally breaks your phone.
Good: feeling disappointed but keeping emotions under control, asking an adult to help you fix it, asking your friend to please be more careful in the future Bad: yelling at your friend, throwing the broken toy, demanding that your parents buy a new one
Myth or Fact: Mental health problems cannot get better with time.
Myth! Some disorders can become less troublesome as we get older and some we can grow out of with help!