MASKS WE WEAR
What is one reason someone might wear a mask?
To hide pain, avoid judgment, fit in, protect themselves, or avoid being vulnerable
What stage is someone in if they do not believe they have a problem?
Precontemplation
Name one thing outside of your circle of control.
Other people's choices, opinions, feelings, the past, unexpected events
What is empathy?
Understanding another person's feelings or perspective without judging them.
Which lesson this week taught us to focus on what we can control instead of what we can not?
Circle of Control
A peer jokes all the time but cries when they are alone. What emotion might they be hiding?
sadness, loneliness, depression, fear, shame
Contemplation
Name three things inside your circle of control
thoughts, attitude, actions, effort, choices, coping skills, words
What is one difference between empathy and sympathy?
Empathy tries to understand someone else's experience, but sympathy is feeling sorry for them.
What is the purpose of the weekly safety plans?
To keep stressors, triggers, coping skills, and support system fresh in our minds.
Name one risk of wearing a mask for too long
Isolation, increased anxiety, depression, not getting help needed, substance use
Name one thing someone might do in the preparation stage.
Make a plan, set a goal, ask for help, remove triggers, tell a trusted person.
Your friend is spreading rumors about you. What is something you CAN control?
Your response, setting boundaries, asking for help, walking away, using coping skills.
Why is it important to recognize the people who have shown empathy to us?
It reminds us that we are not alone, helps build gratitude, strengthen support systems, and encourage us to show empathy to others.
Name two benefits of practicing mindfulness
reduces stress, reduces anxiety, improves focus, helps regulate emotions, increases self awarness, helps you stay present in the moment, reduces impulsive reactions.
Two teens are both struggling with anxiety. One becomes the class clown, and the other acts angry all the time. What do these two people have in common?
They are both wearing masks to hide their true feelings and protect themselves from being vulnerable.
Can someone be in a different stage of change for different behaviors at the same time? Explain
Yes for example someone might be ready to work on anxiety but not ready to stop vaping.
Because it causes you to spend energy trying to change things you can't change instead of focusing on what you can do.
Why is empathy important in building healthy relationships?
It helps people feel understood and builds trust
How can mindfulness help you make healthier choices?
It helps you slow down and notice your thoughts and emotions.
How can taking off your emotional mask improve your mental health and recovery?
It allows other people to support you, builds trust, reduces shame, improves relationships, and helps you heal.
Why is relapse or a setback considered part of the stages of change model?
Change is a process. Setbacks help people learn what works and what doesn't.
A teen says, "If my family would change, I would finally be happy." How could you rephrase that using the circle of control?
I can control my family, but I can control how I respond, the coping skills I use, and who I ask for support.
Can you understand why someone feels the way they do without agreeing with the choices they made? Explain
Yes, empathy is understanding someones feelings without necessarily agreeing with their behaviors or choices.
What does the RAIN acronym stand for
RECOGNIZE- they are feeling overwhelmed
ALLOW - the emotion instead of pushing it away
INVESTIGATE- what triggered the emotion and what do we need
NURTURE - use coping skills, follow safety plan, reach out to support people.