2. What is a mental health disorder? A mental disorder is a diagnosable illness that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Someone with a mental disorder may not feel good about him/herself or may have a difficult time developing intimate relationships. He/she may have difficulty dealing with everyday activities. May be mild, moderate or severe.

3. What causes Mental Health Disorders? The following are “risk factors” that may put someone at risk for developing a mental health disorder. -Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) -Exposure to traumatic event(s) -Inherited (family history, genetics) -Brain injury -Side effects of medication -Substance use and sensitivity -Chemical imbalance

4. While there are “risk factors” to developing a mental health disorder, there are also “protective factors”. -Healthy practices (i.e. nutrition, exercise, sleep) -Support system (i.e. family, friends, a sense of community) -Problem-solving skills -Personal goals, interests, and hobbies -Self-esteem, confidence -Avoidance of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

5. Common Mental Health Disorders ADD/ ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder/ Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Anxiety Disorders PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) Phobias Bipolar Disorder - formerly called manic depression, is a mental illness that brings severe high and low moods and changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior. 5

6. Depression - a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant Eating Disorders - a group of serious conditions in which you're so preoccupied with food and weight that you can often focus on little else. Anorexia Bulimia Psychosis - unable to distinguish personal subjective experience from the reality of the external world. Substance Use Disorders – the overuse of, or dependence on, a drug leading to effects that are detrimental to ones physical and mental health.

7. are excessive or persistent fears of something that may or may not cause real danger. Phobias

8. Do you know what the following Phobias are the fear of? Brontophobia Triskaidekaphobia Arachibutyrophobia Anthropophobia Phobophobia Thunder and Lightning #13 Peanut Butter sticking to the roof of your mouth People Phobias

9. common symptoms of mental health disorders Too much or too little sleep Feelings of extreme sadness Unexplained mood changes Drug or alcohol abuse Inability to concentrate Extreme anxiety or irrational fear Personality changes False perceptions of reality Symptoms that someone may be developing or have a mental health disorder, include physical, emotional, mental and behavioral changes that are not considered part of typical development.

10. What is the difference between sadness and depression? Everyone feels sad or down at times, however if it keeps you from carrying out everyday activities, it is considered depression.

11. Lack of energy Withdrawal from people; isolation Loss of interest in activities Loss of appetite or overeating Too much or too little sleep Feeling of helplessness or hopelessness Symptoms of Depression

12. Teen Depression Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between teens and adults. The following symptoms of depression are more common in teenagers than in adults: Irritable or angry mood – Irritability, rather than sadness, can cause a depressed teenager to be grumpy, hostile, or easily frustrated. Unexplained aches and pains – Constantly complain about physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches with no medical explanation. Extreme sensitivity to criticism – Depressed teens are plagued by feelings of worthlessness, making them extremely vulnerable to criticism, rejection, and failure. Withdrawal from some, but not all people – May socialize less than before, pull away from their parents, or start hanging out with a different crowd.

13. Teen Depression Teen depression affects 1 in 20 teens. Peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs, but for some teens, the lows are more than just temporary feelings. Teen depression may lead to high-risk taking behaviors, such as: drug and alcohol abuse self-HARM (i.e. “cutting”) unprotected sex, leading to STIs, and/ or pregnancy violence suicide attempt or completion criminal activity

14. What are Anxiety Disorders? If anxiety gets in the way of taking part in daily activities, or it occurs frequently, or it causes terror, then it may be a disorder.

15. Anxiety & Stress Management Many teens find ways to cope with high anxiety through stress management. It's important to recognize your emotions, to know what you're feeling and why you're feeling that way. Recognize the types of situations that cause you stress and anxiety. Admitting that a situation is stressful and being prepared to deal with it can reduce your anxiety. Ways to prepare include: Exercise and eat regularly Avoid excess caffeine intake which can increase feelings of anxiety Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco Learn relaxation exercises Stay organized

16. What help is available for people coping with mental health disorders? Mental illness is treatable and may be cured with the help of counseling (individual, family, group), and medication, if needed. By having a support system, participating in therapy, taking medication as directed, and making healthy choices, a person has the best chance in dealing with their mental health needs. 16

17. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or any other mental illness, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK