My Wellness

MENTAL HEALTH

OBJECTIVES: (Competency)

What is mental health?
- Differences between distress, problem and disorder
How common is mental distress?
- Over a 24 hour period, most if not all young people will experience mental distress
What are signs of being overwhelmed?
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Fatigue or low energy (physical or emotional exhaustion)
- Reduced concentration (difficulties concentrating/focusing or feeling pulled in many different directions)
- Unexpected mood changes (very high or very low moods that are unexpected or out of the ordinary)
- Less social engagement (losing interest in previously enjoyed activities or avoiding social activities)
What are examples of environmental stressors?
- e.g. writing an exam, going on a date, not making the sports team, giving a public performance, etc.
Do you know what your environmental stressors are/might be?
What are some ways to adapt to environmental stressors?
- Healthy stress management techniques
- Wellness-enhancing activities learned at home, from friends, trusted adults, and in school
How do I recognize if/when my mental health is at risk?
- Behaviours, emotions or cognition
- E.g. feeling anxious, feeling unhappy, thinking negative thoughts, experiencing headaches or stomach aches, avoidance, etc.
What sorts of personal changes can contribute to distress?
- Students undergoing major adjustments in the home (e.g. divorce, death)
- Socio-cultural adaptation (Socio-cultural adjustments and behavioural expectations that are different from a country of origin)
- Are you able to identify people who could be part of your support system?
  - E.g. Teacher, counsellor, a religious leader,community organization, human services
Are you aware of other mental health supports and how to access them?
- E.g. Kids Help Line