(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. More than 50% of people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime.
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)
Bi-Polar Disorder
This celebrity has "the best of both worlds", and has been quoted saying "So many people look at [my depression] as me being ungrateful, but that is not it—I can't help it. There's not much that I'm closed off about, and the universe gave me all that so I could help people feel like they don't have to be something they're not or feel like they have to fake happy. There's nothing worse than being fake happy."
Miley Cyrus
People with mental illnesses will not get better
Myth. Once diagnosed, mental illness is treatable. While it is not usually “cured”, it can be effectively managed. Most people with mental disorders live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their mental illness.
Name 3 symptoms of Depression
feelings of despair and hopelessness feeling detached from life and those around you continued fatigue or loss of energy feelings of sadness – crying for no apparent reason inability to concentrate or make decisions thoughts of suicide changes in eating or sleeping patterns persistent or recurring headaches or frequent gastrointestinal upsets Losing interest in activities that are enjoyed
Name 3 places/people you can go to on-campus to talk to if you are having a hard time or think you might have a mental health problem.
Student Affairs, Student Support Services, Katie, Personal Counseling through the Rubin White Clinic or outside agency, Advisor, or trusted family member/friend
In 2017, this rapper named a song after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number. The song was a hit, detailing a conversation between its subject and an operator on a hotline and went on to crack the Top 3 of the Billboard Hot 100.
Logic with the song 1(800)273-8255
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 sexual 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 and people in the military.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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 counseling can also be very helpful. Talk to a doctor about all of your different options.
This actor starred in the movie "Deadpool" and experienced anxiety around his performance stating, "I never, ever slept. Or I was sleeping at a perfect right angle — just sitting straight, constantly working at the same time," he told Variety, "By the time we were in post [production], we’d been to Comic-Con, and people went crazy for it. The expectations were eating me alive."
Ryan Reynolds
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.
If someone has these symptoms they might be experiencing what ______. "sweating, nausea, trembling and numbness in the legs or hands, dizziness, hot or cold flashes, a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, hyperventilation, “jelly” legs or blurred vision can develop. Individuals may even feel like they are going to die of a heart attack"
Panic Attack/Anxiety attack
This person has had a long career in acting but he started as a wrestler for the WWE. He also has been open about depression stating, "You're not the first to go through it; you're not going to be the last to go through it. And oftentimes—it happens—you just feel like you're alone. And I wish I had someone at that time who could just pull me aside and [say], 'Hey, it's gonna be OK.' So, I wish I knew that."
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Males attempt suicide more often than females do.
Myth. Females attempt approximately 4 times as often. However, males have a higher rate of death. This is because men tend to use more violent methods.
Name one hotline/emergency number to call or text if needed.
Mental Health Crisis Hotline - 988
Text HOME - 741741
Suicide Hotline 1(800)273-8255
Name 3 reason why people hesitate to get help
They don't want to "burden anyone else with their problems", it is hard to talk about, it makes them feel vulnerable, fear of being judged, stigma, don't know who to tell, don't think the problem is "serious enough", asking for help is "giving up", no resources available Facts: Your friends will feel worse if you don't come talk to them if you need help/ need to talk. They are your friends for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad! don't be afraid to talk about it!
This rapper is known for her musical versatility, sharp lyrics, alter egos, and accents. She details her thoughts when battling depression, "It was just one dead end after another. At one point, I was, like, ‘What would happen if I just didn’t wake up?’ That’s how I felt. Like, ‘Maybe I should just take my life?’”
Nicki Minaj