Warning Signs
The following examples are warning signs of what mental health condition?
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Not enjoying things you used to
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness
What is "Depression"?
- Disorder of the brain.
- Serious mental illness that is more than just a feeling of being "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days.
- Over 20 million people in the United States who have depression
- Feelings persist and can interfere with everyday life.
Getting 7–9 hours of this each night can help prevent mood swings, stress, and mental health crises.
What is "sleep"?
- Sleep and mood are HUGELY linked. For example, people with insomnia are 10 times more likely to have depression and 17 times more likely to have anxiety than the general population.
- Chicken or egg? Idk
You're talking with a friend when he says to you, “I’m just really overwhelmed lately.” He says he doesn't want to hurt himself But he has stopped hanging out with friends and isn’t sleeping well. What is the best first step?
What is "Listen"?
- People often want to be heard. It means a lot to know someone cares about them.
- Give your full attention. Don't judge. Follow up.
Myth or Fact: Mental health issues are a result of personality weakness or character flaws, and people can "snap out of it" if they try hard enough.
What is "Myth"?
Mental health conditions have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:
If someone feels unsafe at home or in their community and is afraid they might be harmed, they should contact this number for immediate help.
What is "911"?
The following examples are warning signs of what mental health condition?
- A sense of restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Being "on edge" or "wound up"
- Headaches, stomachaches
- Difficulty sleeping
What is "Generalized anxiety disorder"?
- You can be anxious without having anxiety
Other forms of anxiety include Panic Disorder, OCD, Social Anxiety, and Phobias.
Eating healthy, avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting some exercise, and practicing deep breathing to relieve stress are examples of what?
What is "healthy coping mechanisms?"
- Our mental health can escalate. Taking care of it preemptively is a great way to help prevent us spiraling into a crisis.
You notice your friend has been struggling lately. One night she is intoxicated and says to you, “I don’t want to be here anymore. I'm going to take all my pills tonight." What can you do?
What is "call 911 or 988 and stay with her (if she's not a danger)"?
- take every statement of SI seriously
Myth or Fact: Children don't experience mental health issues.
What is "Myth"?
Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14-years-old, and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24.
Unfortunately, only half of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health conditions receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs.
Worrying about not having enough food can increase stress and affect physical and mental health. People who need help getting food can go to this type of place.
What is a "food pantry"?
- List of Local Food pantries
These warning signs may show that a student is having this kind of problem with other kids at school
What is "Bullying"?
Bullying can be verbal, social, physical, or online. Approximately 20% of teens report being bullied (1 in 5).
Practicing gratitude can help lower stress and increase this positive feeling. This feeling is one of the strongest positive emotions that fosters a sense of meaning in life. What is this feeling?
What is "hope"? (or happiness)
- Bonus point: Give me an example of what it looks like to practice gratitude.
- Bonus point: What is one thing you're thankful for today?
You are in an argument with you brother when he begins pacing, yelling, and clenching his fists. What is the safest response?
Stay calm. Give them space. If you are worried for your safety, leave the house. If the behavior escalates, calling 911 may be the safest option.
Myth or Fact: According National Alliance for Mental Health, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2023.
What is "True"?
- Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34.
- 1 person dies by suicide in the U.S. about every 11 minutes.
- 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition
You can call or text this three-digit number 24/7 to connect to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.A.
What is "988"?
Mental health illness, substance misuse, chronic illness, trauma, painful losses, exposure to violence, and social isolation can all put someone at higher risk for this action?
What is "suicide"?
Other risk factors for adults include:
This is a written list of coping skills, safe people, and phone numbers to use during a mental health crisis.
What is a "safety plan"?
- We actually have some printed off today. If you or someone you know may be struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts. Please talk to someone and take one of these.
Your friend comes to you saying she is worried about her drinking. She feel alone and ashamed and says, “I feel like I’m drinking too much and I can’t stop. I don’t know anyone who’s been through this.” What could you suggest that might provide her with information and support?
What is "join a support group, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or another peer support group?"
Myth or Fact: Most people with mental health conditions are violent.
What is "Myth"?
Only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of a violent crime than the general population.
Worrying about where to sleep at night or losing your home can increase mental health stress. People in this situation can contact local programs for this type of help.
What is "emergency housing" or "shelters"?
Bonus: Name one in Southern Indiana. What is "Catalyst Rescue Mission"?
A White Flag shelter is a temporary, emergency facility that opens to provide refuge for the homeless when extreme weather conditions occur. Locally, our White Flag Shelter is a partnership between the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana and Nomad Church Collective. The Shelter operates from November 15 – April 15th, offering overnight shelter for those in need during nights when the temperature or wind chill is below 35°F. This shelter is located at Culbertson Baptist Church off of Grant Line Road.
This disorder may develop when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. Children and adults with this condition may feel anxious or stressed even when they are not in currently in danger.
What is "PTSD"?
- PTSD can start shortly after the traumatic event or it may not develop until months or years later.
- Signs may include flashbacks, difficulty sleeping with nightmares, hypervigelence, or angry outbursts.
- Get help. Talk to a trained doctor or counselor. They may recommend medications or therapies.
People stop their prescribed mental health medications for many reasons. Instead of stopping suddenly, the safest step to do this is to reach out to this person.
What is "doctor" or "pharmacist"?
- some medications have dangerous side effects if stopped suddenly
You're talking with a friend who has recently lost their spouse to cancer. They comes to you crying and say, “I can’t sleep, I keep thinking about my wife, and I feel like life has no purpose without her. I don’t even want to get out of bed most days.” What is the most helpful thing you could do?
Listen. Give them time. Have a meal together. If appropriate suggest grief counseling or a support group.
Myth or Fact: If I ask someone if they are thinking about killing themselves, it will give them the idea and encourage them to do it.
What is "Myth"?
- Research shows that asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will not put the idea in their head or push them into action. In fact, asking someone directly, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” may be the question to help save their life.
- Asking about suicide does not encourage it; rather, it shows care and validates their struggle.
This three-digit number connects to a free, confidential hotline that helps Hoosiers across Indiana find the local resources they need.
What is "Indiana 2-1-1"?
- There are no eligibility requirements, income standards nor any other rules.
- They will connect you with local resources including food, housing, transportation, mental health, financial, and health care.