Myth or Fact?
Mental Health Issues are rare
Myth. Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 24 report a mental disorder, substance abuse or learning disability. Between 15 and 20 percent of the Canadian adolescent population suffers from a mental disorder at one time or another.
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)
What is Bi-Polar Disorder
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.
Even without training or expertise, you can help a friend in need by showing this core value.
What is empathy? Listen with an open heart and you will be demonstrating to your friend that they have someone they can trust by their side.
This condition is characterized by feelings of despair and hopelessness, feeling detached from life and those around you, continued fatigue or loss of energy, and losing interest in activities that you once enjoyed
What is depression?
Guidance Counselor and Social Worker
What staff are trained experts in the field of mental health support?
-when a friend shows ongoing signs that something is wrong
-when a friend shares they are thinking of harming themselves or someone else
What are times that you should ask an adult for help?
Mental disorders are a consequence of bad parenting or personal weakness.
Myth. The main risk factors for mental illness are not bad parenting or personal weakness but rather genetics, severe and prolonged stress (such as physical or emotional abuse), or other environmental influences, and brain chemistry.
This disorder is characterized by depression and anxiety as well as flashbacks. It is common among victims of crimes, victims of abuse, and people in the military.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Medication, individual therapy, group therapy.
What are treatment options for mental health concerns?
This is the class where social skills are discussed, developed, and encouraged.
What is Advisory (and SEL in 5th grade!)?
If someone in your family has a mental illness, you are more likely to develop one as well.
Fact. Although you will not necessarily develop any kind of mental illness, if someone in your family has a mental disorder you will be at higher risk. So, if you start to experience the symptoms of a mental disorder it will be important for you to see a health provider as soon as possible to determine if you have a problem that will require treatment.
This event can happen all of a sudden, causing a a person to sweat, tremble, feel nauseous, and dizzy.
What is a Panic Attack/Anxiety Attack?
True or False: You need to know exactly what you're going to say and how you're going to say it before you talk to a counselor.
False! Counselors are there to listen to whatever is troubling you, and you can open up to them at a pace that you are comfortable with.
1. Listen to them
2. Spend time with them
3. Encourage them to seek help
4. Do not judge
What are things you can do to support a friend who is having mental health difficulties?
Young people, like you, do not have mental health concerns and are simply moody or experiencing puberty.
Myth. 1 in 5 young people suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. In your class, that can be up to 4-5 students present.
Affection, resilience, positivity, curiosity, and self control are these.
What are indicators of positive mental health?
Counselors will maintain ____________, meaning they will not share with others anything you say in your sessions, unless it may harm you or someone else.
What is confidentiality?
1. They fear judgment
2. They don't want to "burden anyone else with their problems"
What are reasons that people do not ask for help with their mental health needs?