Understanding Mental Health – Easy Read Q & A 🧠Sheet

 

 

1. Do everyone have Mental health?

✅ Yes. Everyone has mental health, just like we all have physical health.

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2. Is Mental health how we feel, act and think?

✅ Yes. Mental health affects our feelings, thoughts, and actions.

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3. Does Mental health refer to emotional, psychological, and social well-being?

✅ Yes. It is about how we manage emotions, our mind, and how we get along with others.

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4. Does Mental health help us with how we cope in life?

✅ Yes. Good mental health helps us deal with stress, problems, and everyday life.

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5. Does mental illness affect how we feel, behave, and interact with each other?

✅ Yes. Mental illness can change our feelings, behaviour, and relationships.

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6. What type of Mental illnesses are there?

Examples:

• Anxiety – worry, fear, panic

• Depression – sadness, loss of interest

• Bipolar disorder – mood swings

• PTSD – trauma and flashbacks

• Eating disorders – problems with food and body image

Strengths: People may also show creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and resilience.

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7. Can people with Mental illness have positive mental health?

✅ Yes. People with mental illness can still have good days and positive wellbeing.

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8. What is the difference between good and poor mental health?

• Good mental health = coping well, happy, focused, strong relationships.

• Poor mental health = stressed, sad, struggling to cope, feeling alone.

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9. What are the most common mental illnesses linked to disabilities or difficulties?

Examples:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Both together (common with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, etc.)

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10. Is a state of mind a way of coping with stress?

✅ Yes. Our thoughts and mindset can help us manage stress.

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11. Does mental illness affect our thinking, feelings, and mood?

✅ Yes. Stressful events can trigger changes.
Examples: moving house, money worries, losing a job, relationships, break ups.

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12. Do mental illnesses affect how we function in school, college, or work?

✅ Yes. They can make it harder to focus, study, or do daily tasks.

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13. Are mental illnesses conditions?

✅ Yes. Mental illness is a medical condition that needs care and support.

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14. Can mental illness be caused by family genes?

✅ Sometimes. Mental illness can run in families, but not always.

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15. What is the current suicide rate in the world?

• Suicide is higher in men than women in most countries.

• Rates change every year. (For the latest numbers, check WHO, CDC, or national health services.)

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16. What are common causes of poor mental health and suicide?

Examples:

• Break ups, family fall outs

• Drugs or alcohol

• Stress and pressure

• Bullying and stigma

• Money problems

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17. Name one or more mental health services in the UK and USA.

• UK: Mind, Samaritans, NHS mental health services

• USA: NAMI, SAMHSA, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

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18. Name one or more suicide prevention services or charities worldwide.

• Samaritans (UK & worldwide)

• Befrienders International

• 988 Lifeline (USA)

• WHO Mental Health Programmes (global)