Mental Health Trivia

myth or fact

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. Between 15 and 20 percent of the Canadian adolescent population suffers from a mental disorder at one time or another.

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 disorders live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their mental illness.

300

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.

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 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.

500

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.

Signs and Symptoms

100

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

200

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

300

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)

400

What event is this describing?..." 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" What Event does this describe?

Panic Attack/ Anxiety attack

500

Name 3 signs that a person could be suicidal

direct suicide threats 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/

Treatment

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.

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.

Student Health Services, Personal Counselling, Your Don, Any other Don/ Head Resident, friends

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 counselling can also be very helpful. Talk to a doctor about all of your different options.

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.

500

What is the extension for Brock student health services?

3243