16 Strong's Guide to Mental Health

16 Strong's Guide to Mental Health

ACEs Defined

Connection Between Mental Health and ACEs

Index

Introduction

16 Strong Defined

Mental Health: The Basics

Mental Health Stigmas

Additional Resources

Index

Mental Illnesses

ACE's Effects

10

Reflection Section

Introduction

This module, as well as all of 16 Strong’s additional projects, were made by youth, for youth in order to help distribute the most relatable and sympathetic material. We keep our youth in mind through everything we do, and after speaking with thousands of young people worldwide, we have come together to establish this project. The science and statistics are the reasoning behind why we do what we do! Please take the time to complete this tour fully in order to obtain the most information and get the most out of it. Answer the questions provided to the best of your ability! Anyone interested in mental health awareness should use this guide, so please feel free to pass it along. Our message is a strong one that not nearly enough people are aware of. Through your participation and dedication to the cause, we can all work together to make a difference in order to keep ourselves and others 16 Strong!

Welcome to 16 Strong’s Guide to Mental Health! Thank you for your interest in mental health advocacy. We are so glad that you found us and want to educate yourself in order to make a difference in people’s lives! This module will provide you with a brief overview of our organization, a tour of our website, and a precise definition of both ACEs and mental health. We are here to help you understand exactly what mental health is and how it connects to ACEs. Through this guided tour, you will learn about the very basics of mental health. It is crucial to analyze exactly what mental health is before you can even begin to understand how it may affect yourself or those around you. It is our hope that this module will allow for you to take this knowledge with you and apply it to the many different aspects of your life.

Go to https://www.16strongproject.com/ and go to the Home page. Locate the “About Us” Tab and click “What is 16 Strong?” Read the information, and then in your own words, explain what the phrase “16 Strong” means.

16 Strong Defined

1. Without reading too far ahead, how would you define mental health?
2. What are the factors that you think impact your mental health?
3. What role does mental health play in YOUR everyday life?

Mental Health: The Basics

You might be wondering...

“What are ACEs and how are they connected to mental health?”

Throughout this course, you will learn to recognize signs of experiencing adversity (ACEs).

This knowledge will empower you to take control of your own wellbeing before it has a greater impact!

ACEs can impact an individual’s mental, emotional, and even physical health. It is crucial to take note of these different factors that may play into a person’s mental health and work towards proactively taking action to get the help one may need!

ACEs are associated with mental health because experiencing adversity at a young age can, and often does, have significant effects on an individual’s overall state of mental well-being.

The Connection Between ACEs & Mental Health

So… what exactly are ACEs? 1. Do you have any prior understanding of what ACES are? Tell us about what you already know. If you have not heard of them, what do you hope to learn? Direct yourself to the top of the page and click on “What are ACEs?” and then to the “ACEs defined” section. Do any of the ACEs mentioned surprise you? Did you know about any of them prior? How do you think ACEs have significant effects on an individual's mental health? Next, view “Know the Signs.” Read the information below titled “Understanding Mental Illness.” In your own words provide something that stood out to you in this section.

ACE's Defined

Mental Illnesses

On the same page, scroll to the bottom until you reach “Learn More About Mental Illnesses.”

a. Why did you choose these three particular mental illnesses? What about them stood out to you the most? Did anything surprise you while reading through this section?

Read through the information and then pick three mental illnesses under that section. Describe your chosen mental illnesses and provide three facts for each one.

Mental Illnesses

The most common signs/symptoms include:

Furthermore, it’s crucial to know what signs and symptoms to look for that may indicate mental health struggles or mental illness so that you can be better equipped to intervene and/or advocate for yourself or others experiencing these various symptoms.

Mental Illnesses

It’s important to also continue your own education on recognizing mental illness, so consider checking out these valuable resources linked below as well:

https://www.activeminds.org/about-mental-health/signs-and-symptoms/

Psychiatry.org

Active Minds

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness

Harvard Health

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-to-recognize-the-signs-of-mental-health-issues

Mental Health Resources