2. Good Mental Health is for Everyone!
Teens with Impact 2017
Introduce yourself.
Address how we feel topics like these are not being mentioned in school
Feel it is our duty to bring topics like this to everyone’s attention
Sets a more serious tone without losing everyone’s attention

3. Activity: Mental Health as a Continuum
1. Distribute one card per person (minimum).
2. Place card along continuum based on where you believe it fits.
3. Walk along continuum and look at where other people placed their cards.
Discuss: Should any cards be placed anywhere else? Why or why not?
Mentally Well
Mentally Unwell
Place a “mentally unwell” and a “mentally well” card on opposite ends of the classroom. Address the fact that mental disorders don’t necessarily mean someone is unwell or unhealthy. Everyone can be mentally well with proper treatment. Ex: people with asthma are healthy with proper treatment. Ask students where they think they are on the continuum and if it has changed in the last week, month, and year. Make sure to assure them that mental health fluctuates constantly. Ask them how their mental health changes in certain scenarios. Ask about strategies they use in each situation/suggest strategies.

4. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Don’t call number on the video lololol
How many of you have social media accounts?
-How many of you think that your followers are being affected by mental health disorders?
What did the narrator say was the most important thing for a person to do?
Reach out/stay connected
What are ways that you can reach out if you notice possible symptoms?
What were your expectations going into this presentation about mental disorders? What were your reactions to these stats? Surprised? Sad?
Do you think this will impact how you view mental disorders?
Remind them that this occurs near us whether we realize it or not so be respectful to all!
Remember, mental health can fluctuate and people can get better!!

5. Stereotypes and Stigmas
Common Thoughts
“I’m so OCD!” Obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental illness that should be taken seriously. Do you really mean that?
“I’m so depressed!” Are you feeling depressed or sad? Let people know that it’s important to understand the difference.
“Ugh I want to kill myself” Do you mean that? (If they do, offer them valuable resources and your support).
“I got PTSD from watching that!” PTSD is a serious mental illness.
Mental Illness ≠
Scary
Many people use these phrases, and make light of the certain disease or condition. If someone has that disorder it could make them feel less inclined to tell people or may cause them to bottle themselves up. Individuals must be careful not to exaggerate their feelings or throw around words that are serious issues. You never know what somebody is going through. It is important to listen to what others are saying and not constantly try to “one up” others or say that our lives are worse because if someone really is trying to reach out for help, it makes them feel like their struggles are invalid.

6. Age 13 is the average age where anxiety disorders begin.
Check the Facts!
Depression
Nearly 50% of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Over 80% of individuals showing symptoms of depression are not receiving help/treatment.
6.7% (16.1 million) of all US adults suffered one major depressive episode.
Anxiety
Age 13 is the average age where anxiety disorders begin.
1 in 8 children are affected by anxiety disorders.
⅓ of those suffering from anxiety disorders receive help.
Let them know that it is different for them because they are in a different age category and to be more aware of their own mental health.

8. Warning Signs of Depression and Anxiety
Excessive tiredness, lack of energy
Pull away from social activities
Self-Injury
Overeating or appetite loss
Feelings of guilt
Changes in personality
Difficulty making decisions
Mood Swings that are out of the ordinary
Empty feeling-like your mind is blank
Not all signs are physically apparent - they could be internal as well.
This is not a checklist!
Do not wait until you see multiple warning signs to tell someone.

9. Coping Strategies Depression Anxiety Stay Connected Get active
Challenge Negative thinking
Anxiety
Take a time out
Get enough sleep
Eat a healthy meal daily
Stay connected with people you are close with or your loved ones. Get active- just walking around your neighborhood could help. Challenge negative thinking- if you have negative thoughts challenge it with a positive one. Take a time out if you need to take a break take some deep breaths, try to calm down- 5 minutes max, does not take much time. Get more sleep. Do homework after school instead of late at night. Eat a healthy meal- don’t eat fast food-make a salad at home instead. Have them think of things that make them feel happy and relaxed that they can easily do. These are NOT cures, they are just coping strategies.

10. Mindfulness Activity 5 things you can see 4 things you can feel
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
** use this activity when you are feeling panicked or just need a quick break **
Students should do this activity in their head or within close proximity to their desk.
Have them go in order from 5 to 1. The idea is that once you get to 1, you are more grounded and present in the moment and able to overcome a panic attack or other mental health situation (stress, feeling overwhelmed, feeling stuck, feeling angry, etc)

11. Help Resources Suicide Hotline- 1-800-273-TALK
- NAMI is the National Alliance of Mental Illness
Location: 3200 S. 3rd Street, Unit 6
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Office hours: M-F 8:30am-5pm
Phone:
New Berlin Children’s Hospital Teen Health Clinic
(262)
Greendale Health Department, Guidance Counselors at GHS,
Or talk to your primary care physician
Mention that all adults in this school are mandatory reporters for situations where someone is 1) hurting himself/herself, 2) hurting someone else, or 3) being hurt by someone else.
Mention our school social worker, Ms. Kiplin (many don’t know we have one).

12. Resources Used