Let's Be Real!... (myth or fact)
Myth or Fact: Mental Health Issues are common
Fact: Approximately 1 in 5 people between the ages of 15 and 24 report a mental disorder
People with this disorder frequently have intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.
Anxiety
True or False- admitting that something is wrong is giving up on yourself.
FALSE. Admitting you are having problems is often very hard to do, and asking for help is a sign of strength and willingness to work through what you are experiencing.
Are you helping your friend if they come to talk to you?
Yes. By being open and letting them vent about what's going on, you are helping to alleviate their stress and get things off of their chest. You are not a professional (or maybe you are, who knows), and you can't expect to have all the answers. Sometimes just listening is all they need.
This model and Keeping Up with the Kardashians star suffers from anxiety
Kendall Jenner
Myth or Fact: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
Myth: The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else.
This disorder affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.
Depression
Name three people- other than friends-that you can go to talk to if you are having a hard time or think you might have a mental health problem.
Counselor, teacher, doctor, therapist, principal, trusted adult, etc.
True of false- If your friend tells you that they are going to harm themselves and they make you promise to keep it a secret, you should always respect their wishes and keep it a secret.
False. If you are concerned about their safety, tell someone. Talk to someone who can help. It is better to have a friend who is alive and mad at you than to lose a friend. If you think they are serious about attempting suicide, do not be afraid to call 911.
This "Old Town Road" singer suffers from Depression.
Lil Nas
Myth or Fact: Children don't experience mental health problems.
Myth: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health problems are often clinically diagnosable and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.
True or False: Once you're depressed, you'll always be depressed
False. There are many people who have beat depression and can manage their symptoms with healthy coping skills.
True or false- Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health problems.
False. 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.
True/False: Counseling is only for "crazy" people.
False: Counseling is for anyone that needs to talk about things that they are struggling with.
This Jumaji star and former WWE star suffers from depression.
Dwayne Johnson "The Rock"
Myth or Fact: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness well, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Myth: People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees. Employers who hire people with mental health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.
What is a coping skill?
A coping skill is a method a person uses to deal with stressful situations. These may help a person face a situation, take action, and be flexible and persistent in solving problems.
True of false- school counselors have to tell your parents what is discussed in a counseling session.
False. School counselors are there to listen to whatever is troubling you. They only have to report what you say if you discuss harming yourself, harming someone else, illegal activity, or abuse.
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, show them that you care :), if it is serious tell someone, don't judge, ask someone for advice
This "Poker Face" singer and Oscar-nominated actress suffers from Anxiety.
Lady Gaga
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:
True or False: You cant struggle with Anxiety and Depression at the same time.
False: It is possible for a person to struggle with anxiety so much that it can cause depression.
Which phone line can you call or text to reach out for help?
Suicide Hot Line: 1-800-273-8255
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
fear of being judged/stigma
Facts: Your friends will feel worse if you don't come to talk to them if you need help/ need to talk. They are your friends (and your don) for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad! don't be afraid to talk about it!
This singer has anxiety so bad that sometimes she doesn't come out on stage for concerts.
Summer Walker