What is Mental Health?
What is mental health?
Mental health is about how we feel and think. It's about being able to handle our emotions and deal with problems.
What is an effective strategy for managing stress and promoting mental wellness?
a) Bottling up emotions and not talking about them
b) Avoiding all sources of stress
c) Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
d) Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine
c) Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
Deep breathing and meditation help manage stress because they make your body feel calm. When you take deep breaths and meditate, it tells your body to relax. Your heart beats slower, your muscles loosen up, and you feel more peaceful. It's like giving your mind a break from all the worries and stress. So, when you're feeling stressed out, taking a few deep breaths or spending a few minutes meditating can help you feel better and less overwhelmed.
True or False: "Stigma" refers to a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something
TRUE
Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common.
True or False: Resources for mental health are only available in-person.
FALSE
There are a number of online tools and resources for mental health, as well as hotlines and text lines via phone.
True or False: There is one single cause for all mental illness.
FALSE!
There is no single cause of mental illness. There are a number of causes, such as trauma/abuse, prolonged stress, or biological/chemical imbalances.
Why is mental health important?
Mental health is important because it affects how we act, how we feel about ourselves, and how we get along with others. When we have good mental health, we can enjoy life more.
Name 2-3 examples of something that could make your mental health worse.
Trauma, abuse, bullying, violence, medical conditions, death of a loved one, etc.
Does mental health stigma make someone more or less likely to seek help when they are struggling?
LESS LIKELY
People may believe that they will be labelled by a mental illness or seen as "weak," if they reach out for help. By not getting help, their mental health may decline even more!
How old do you have to be legally to agree to mental health services without your parents being directly involved?
12 years old, but there are other conditions that have to be met as well.
True or False: Your mental health stays the same throughout your whole life.
FALSE
Your mental health can change dramatically throughout your life. Life events can play a role in your mental and emotional state, especially as you get older. That's why it's so important to learn about managing your mental health and knowing when to ask for help.
What are some signs of good mental health?
Signs of good mental health include feeling happy and confident, being able to handle stress, and having good relationships with friends and family.
Name 5 healthy ways a person can relax or unwind.
MEDITATE, JOURNAL, DRAW, GO FOR A WALK, TAKE A NAP, ETC.
What effect does mental health stigma have on a person's self-esteem?
NEGATIVE (LOW SELF-ESTEEM)
Mental health stigma may cause those who are struggling to think negatively about themselves. This leads to a low self-esteem.
Who can you talk to about getting connected to mental health services?
It’s important to reach out for help from a trusted adult, counselor, doctor, or mental health professional like a social worker, psychologist, or therapist. They can provide support, guidance, and access to appropriate mental health services.
Is mental health more, less, or equally important than physical health?
EQUALLY IMPORTANT
Mental and physical health are equally important to overall health. They are also closely related and affect each other.
What are some signs that someone might be struggling with their mental health?
Signs that someone might be struggling include feeling sad or anxious a lot, having trouble sleeping or eating, or not wanting to do things they used to enjoy.
One way to maintain mental wellness is to take breaks from media. Give an example of how you can do this.
How can you make someone more comfortable talking about their mental health struggles?
USE EMPOWERING WORDS, AVOID HURTFUL STEREOTYPES, THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION, ETC.
What is the suicide and mental health crisis hotline number?
988
True or False: Mental health problems always have obvious symptoms that are easy to recognize.
False
1 in how many people suffer from a mental illness each year?
1:4
What recent substance has been linked to high rates of anxiety and depression in teens?
VAPING
Studies have shown that teens who vape are more likely to report feelings of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts than teens who do not vape. Nicotine, THC, and other substances likely contribute to these mental health concerns.
Give 2-3 examples of empowering words you could use, or encouraging things you can say, when someone you know is going through a hard time mentally or emotionally.
RESILIENT, THOUGHTFUL, FRIEND, LOVE, HEALING, ETC.
“I'm really proud of you for reaching out and talking about how you're feeling. It takes a lot of courage."
"Remember, it's okay not to be okay. We all have our tough days, and it's important to give yourself grace."
“Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. I'm here to help you find the support you need."
“You're doing the best you can, and that's enough. Don't be too hard on yourself."
What are some signs that you or someone you know may need to seek mental health services?
1. Feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless most of the time.
2. Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
3. Losing interest in activities that used to be enjoyable.
4. Having trouble concentrating or making decisions.
5. Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities.
6. Experiencing dramatic changes in appetite or weight.
7. Feeling irritable, angry, or easily frustrated.
8. Having thoughts of harming yourself or others.
9. Using alcohol or drugs excessively to cope with emotions.
10. Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue without a medical cause.
True or False: Taking care of your mental health means never feeling sad or stressed.
False