Let's Be Real!... (myth or fact)
Would you look at that? (Signs and Symptoms)
Treatment
Help a peer out
Random Animal Facts
100

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. 

100

Restricting food, counting calories, frequently weighing yourself, over-exercising, bingeing and/or purging

What is an Eating Disorder

100

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.

100

Is it helpful to let a friend vent or talk about their problems without offering solutions?  

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.

100
What is the only Animal with 4 knees?
Elephant
200

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 health diagnoses live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their condition.  

200

Feelings of despair and hopelessness, feeling detached from life and those around you, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

What is depression 

200

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.

The school nurse, school counselors, the Wellness Center, a trusted teacher 

200

True or 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 for their safety, tell someone. Talk to an adult 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.

200
where on a cows body are the sweat glands located?
the nose
300

Mental illnesses 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.

300

This disorder is characterized by specific triggers for anxiety as well as flashbacks. Nightmares are common.  It is common among victims of crimes and people in the military.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

300

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 or mental health professional about all of your different options.

300

True/ False- If you find the right words to say and spend enough time with them, you can cause your friend to get better when they are experiencing a mental health issue.

False. Listening and being supportive is an important part of friendship, however sometimes the issue is bigger than you can solve on your own.  You can be a huge support for them, but ultimately you cannot fix everything for someone else.  Seek professional help if you or a friend is struggling.  

300

The national animal of Scotland 

What is a Unicorn (yes, really!). 

400

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 illness you may be at higher risk. So, if you start to experience symptoms it will be important for you to see a health provider as soon as possible to determine if you could benefit from extra support. 

400

What event is this describing?..." sweating, nausea, racing heart, 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" What Event does this describe?

Panic Attack/ Anxiety attack

400
True of 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. Tip: if you feel like you might get nervous and freeze up, it often helps to write things down before your appointment. This also helps you to organize your thoughts and put things in perspective.
400

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 a trusted adult for advice

400
How many hearts does an Octopus have?
3
500

Teens who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.  

Truth. LGBTQ+ teens are 4x more likely than their straight peers to feel depressed and/or suicidal due to lack of social acceptance and support.  If you're struggling with SI, please reach out for help!  If you have a friend or peer who is part of this community, be kind.  

500

Thoughts such as, “I want to die,” or indirect threats such as “You would be better off without me”/ personality changes or withdrawn behavior/ hoarding medication/ giving away prized possessions/ lack of interest in future plans/ isolation from friends and colleagues/ depression

What are suicidal thoughts 

500

What are some numbers you can call or text if you're feeling like you might need additional support and/or like you might harm yourself?  

National Suicide hotline available 24/7: 800-273-8255

Wellness Center:  424-209-4907



500

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!

500
This amphibian soaks water into their body through the skin instead of drinking it.
What are frogs?