Let's Be Real!... (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.
This disorder is common, chronic, and long lasting in which a person has uncontrollable, re-occuring thoughts and behaviors, such as repetitive actions or having things a certain way.
OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
True or False- It is important to recognize your emotions so you can handle them in a healthy way.
TRUE: By recognizing how you are feeling you can cope appropriate and get proper help if needed. Admitting this is often very hard to do, and asking for help is a sign of strength and willingness to work through what you are experiencing.
Are you helping your friend if they come talk to you and you don't have any advice to give them?
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.
People with mental illnesses cannot function daily and will NOT get better.
Myth. Mental illness can impact a persons ability to function "normally." However, once identified it can be effectively managed. Most people with mental disorders live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their mental illness.
Name 3 places/people you can go to in school to talk to if you are having a hard time and have a problem.
Teacher, Counselor, Principals, School Safety Team
True of 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 someone 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.
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 physical factors, genetics, severe and prolonged stress (such as physical or sexual abuse), or other environmental influences, and brain chemistry.
This disorder usually comes seasonally and called the "winter blues" due to less sunlight exposure. It can also increase feelings of sadness, anxiety, oversleeping and increased appetite.
SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder
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.
Ways to alleviate stress are broad, but in class we discussed 3 categories to help us remember ways we can help ourselves.
What is time out, work out, and reach out?
A disorder characterized by excessive worry, unease, fear, and sometimes uncontrollable panic. Worry and fear may cause symptoms such as elevated heart rates, increased blood pressure, and shakiness.
What is Anxiety Disorder?
List Types of Stress and Name a major stressor vs minor stressor
Eustress is good stress and Distress is Bad Stress. Bad Stress can harm the body in many ways: Increased risks of: stroke, cardiovascular disease, depression, digestive issues, immune system issues, and muscular issues, skin/hair issues, and reproductive issues.
Males suicide rate is almost 4x higher than females.
Truth. However Females attempt approximately 4 times as often. Males have a higher rate of death. This is because men tend to use more violent methods.
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/
What is the suicide/help text number?
988
Name 3 reason why people hesitate to get help
The stigma of mental health and 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!