Contributing Factors
List 3 factors that would make a person more susceptible to experiencing mental health symptoms.
- Sleep deprivation
- Genetics (family)
- Physical Illness
- Injury
- Brain Chemistry
- Life Experiences/ Trauma History
- History of abuse
- Family history of mental health problems
-Prolonged stress
Myth or Fact:
Posting your problems on social media is a good outlet for stress. Friends will come to your rescue and the person you are posting about will realize they have hurt your feelings and make a change.
MYTH!
Posting your problems on social media will only perpetuate your problem. Others will feed the drama and it is likely more problems will ensue. You are only giving everyone the right to have an opinion about your situation when it should be private.
A better outlet for this is journaling about your feelings.
Speak to a trusted friend or adult.
An irrational fear of something
What is a phobia?
Talking to a pastor or a therapist doesn't help with mild depression.
Myth!
Talking to a professional can be very helpful in trying to overcome mild depression.
Name at least 3 symptoms of Depression.
1. Loss of interest in activities you once loved
2. Inability to concentrate
3. Insomnia
4. Self-loathing ( beating yourself up)
5. Unexplained aches and pains
6. Psycho-motor impairment ( slowing of speech, generally taking longer to do everyday things)
7. Fatigue, tiredness, loss of energy
8. Constant Depressed mood
9. Anger or irritability
10. Continually restless
Myth or Fact:
Studies have shown that people of faith often have a better response to stress than others.
Fact.
Though anyone can suffer from anxiety or depression, people who pray often feel less stress than others.
Myth or Fact:
It is illegal for Therapists and School counselors to tell your parents, police, etc, information which has been discussed during a 1:1 session.
MYTH!
Therapists and School counselors have to report 3 things:
1. If a student discloses an intent to harm themselves
2. If a student has disclosed an intent to harm another person
3. If a student discloses that someone else has hurt them.
S.A.D.
What is the acronym for Seasonal Affective Disorder?
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.
Exercise
What is one thing that can help with mild (or possibly even more severe) depression.
Diathesis stress model
What is the term for how some people deal with stress better than others?
List 3 people that you can go to for health if you are experiencing symptoms of mental health.
- School Counselor
- Guidance Counselor
- Pastor
- Teacher
- Parent or adult relative
- Coach
- Doctor or nurse
- Suicide hotline
- Police Officer
What is distress?
True or False:
If you have symptoms of major depression sometimes a doctor will prescribe medication that can help.
True.
While medication won't 'fix' depression it is a treatment that can be very helpful when it's needed.
You notice a friend who seems less interested in spending time with friends and has been skipping classes. Your friend also stopped going to practice, despite this being their favorite sport. When you ask your friend what is wrong, they say "Nothing. I'll be fine." This friend starts to come to school seemingly no longer taking care of themselves, clothes are dirty, hair is unkempt, never has their homework, etc.
Do you
a) tell your other friends about how this friend is cranky.
b) do nothing because your friend knows better and this is their problem.
c) tell their sibling
d) none of the above
D) none of the above
You should first find a way to show your friend that you care about them and listen to what they have to say. If they decide to confide in you, don't share their business with other students. Encourage your friend to speak with the school counselor. If you are still worried about your friend you now have 2 options:
1) speak to your parent or guardian and ask them for help
2) speak to a school staff member which you are comfortable with and ask them for help (chances are they have noticed a change in your friend as well)
Myth or Fact:
Having a mental health diagnosis means you have a chemical imbalance.
Myth!
Depression and Anxiety are almost always situational. Sometimes Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance.
Some Mental Health diagnoses are caused by adaptation of unhealthy coping skills. Some children learn unhealthy coping skills by watching other family members cope in unhealthy ways. "You don't know what you don't know!"
Association for Children's Mental Health
At the top left of the page, you will note "Youth Page"
Here you will find helpful phone numbers, resources, peer-to-peer help, poems, art, etc.
This disorder is characterized by depression and anxiety as well as flashbacks. It is common among victims of crimes and people in the military.
PTSD
(Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)
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.
What is eustress?
Myth of Fact:
Having a college education and living in a safe neighborhood make you less likely to have symptoms of a mental health diagnosis.
MYTH!
Mental Health symptoms DO NOT discriminate!
741741
What is the Suicide Text Number?
Myth or Fact:
Medication cures Mental Health Disorders.
Myth!
Medication does not outright cure mental illness. However, it may help with the management of symptoms. Medication paired with psychotherapy is the most effective way to promote recovery.
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 and family will feel worse if you don't come talk to them if you need help/ need to talk. They are your friends and family for a reason, and they don't want you to feel bad! Don't be afraid to talk about it!
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.