ALYSSA GIZZO AND

LEXI GAGLIARDOTTO
PALM HARBOR UNIVERSITY

HIGH SCHOOL

A state of well-being in which a person realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. - (CDC)

 Everyone has mental

health.

Mental health issues are

common and just like other physical health conditions.

Once we speak up and start

talking about mental health, lives can be saved.

Health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination of those)

associated with distress and/or

impaired functioning. - (CDC)

 Anxiety Depression Bi-Polar Disorder Schizophrenia Obsessive-Compulsive

Disorder

Phobias ADHD

Panic Attacks
Substance Abuse or Addiction Dissociative Identity Disorder Eating Disorders

Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder

 Stigma- a mark or label imposed by others that leads to

devaluation and discrimination- Otto Wahl PhD.

Effect of Stigma Keeps people from seeking help!

 TV, movies, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet all misinform people about mental illness.

 Educate ourselves about mental illness Spread awareness to others

 Talking openly about mental health Getting involved in organizations (NAMI) Participating in walks to raise money Get involved in Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 612)

Use the hashtag #ItsTime on social media pages to help

raise the national dialogue about mental health

Mental health problems dont affect me.

Children dont experience mental health problems.

Half of all mental disorders show first signs before a person turns 14, and of mental health disorders begin before age 24.

Mentally ill people are violent and dangerous.

People with mental illness are more likely to become victims of violence.

People with mental health needs cannot tolerate the stress of holding a job.

They are just as (or more) productive as other employees!

Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can just SNAP OUT OF IT if they want to.

Mental health problems have nothing to do with being weak or lazy. Many factors contribute that are uncontrollable.

MENTAL ILLNESS IS

NOT A CHOICE.

There is no hope for people with mental health problems- theyll never recover.

Mental illnesses can be treated! Some cannot be cured, but can managed so that individuals may lead a productive and full life.

I cant do anything for a person with a mental health problem. Its beyond my control.

You CAN help!

If you have a friend or family member with a mental illness:

Let them know you are available for help and support. Help them access mental health services Learn and share info about mental health Respect and accept

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Feeling withdrawn or sad for more than two weeks Alarming weight loss or gain Severe mood swings Excessive use of alcohol or drugs Significant changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits

Difficulty concentrating or staying still

Intense fears or worries that interfere with daily life Making plans to or trying to seriously harm or kill oneself. Showing out of control, risk-taking behaviors that can cause harm to self or others.

10. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason

 Tell someone you trust Share your concerns with the person Offer your support Encourage your friend to get help Know the resources available
Counseling centers Support groups and clubs National Suicide Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255)

 Pay attention to your needs and feelings Regularly express your emotions Find a balance between responsibilities and the things you enjoy Do things to positively impact others Learn and discover new things Find healthy coping strategies for stress Enjoy your surroundings Avoid negative self-talk Practice positive thinking Dont compare yourself to others Never underestimate your worth and value

 Meditation and relaxation techniques Quality time to yourself Physical activities or sports Reading Call up a friend and hang out Journaling Humor Hobbies

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013).Myths and facts. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/myths-facts/index.html U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013).What is mental health?. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mentalhealth/index.html National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2014). Mental illnesses. Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness

Strategies for good mental health wellness. (2009). Retrieved from http://mhww.org/strategies.html
http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/

Carter, R. (2010). Within our reach: Ending the mental health crisis. (pp. 142,80-81). New York, New York: Rodale. English, M., & Chaffin, T. (2014). 15 celebrities with mental health disorders. Retrieved from http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/mentaldisorders/15-celebrities-with-mental-health-disorders.htm

NAMI. (n.d.). People with mental illness enrich our lives. Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Helpline1&template=/Cont entMa nageme nt/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=4858
http://www.nami.org/factsheets/mentalillness_factsheet.pdf