As many as one in six U.S. children ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year?

Myth: Mental health problems are a sign of weakness.

Fact: Mental illness has nothing to do with strength or weakness. It is a medical disorder that needs treatment in the same way an infection or broken bone needs treatment. If you need help with a mental issue, you are not weak. Many factors are involved in mental health, including: brain chemistry, genetics, family history, and life experiences.

Abraham Lincoln The revered sixteenth President of the United States suffered from severe and incapacitating depression.

Click here to download a mental illness student activity.

You Are Not Alone - Elementary (English) from Surrey Schools on Vimeo.

Did you know? That deep breathing is a practice that enables more air to flow into your body can help calm your nerves, reducing stress and anxiety.

Myth: You can’t prevent mental illness.

Fact: You can’t always prevent getting mental health problems. But you can reduce risk factors by eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting plenty of sleep, seeking help and support, and reducing stress.

Emma Stone, an actress from Spiderman, suffers from panic attacks.

Click here for test taking tips.

Click here for a coping skills handout.

Click here to see stress relieving ideas.

Half of all mental health conditions start by 14 years of age but most cases are undetected and untreated.

Myth: Mental health problems are a sign of weakness.

Fact: Mental illness has nothing to do with strength or weakness. It is a medical disorder that needs treatment in the same way an infection or broken bone needs treatment. If you need help with a mental issue, you are not weak. Many factors are involved in mental health, including: brain chemistry, genetics, family history, and life experiences.

Simone Biles, USA olympian gymnast, chose to not compete in the 2021 Olympic games to focus on her mental health. Simone Biles Video

What Fruits and Vegetables Do For Your Body from Sanford Health Digital on Vimeo.

Changing your exercise habits can be hard. Click here for a document to help get you started.

What Water Does For Your Body from Sanford Health Digital on Vimeo.

Making changes to your sleep can be hard. Click here for a document to help get you started.

When we express gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, and they make us feel 'good'. They enhance our mood immediately, making us feel happy from the inside.

Myth: There’s nothing I can do to help someone with a mental health problem.

Fact: There are many things you can do to help someone: Let them know you are there if they need you, connect them with resources or services, listen and learn what they are going through, refrain from judging them and treat them with respect.

Ludwig van Beethoven, composer, had bipolar disorder which some have said gave him such creative power that his compositions broke the mold for classical music forever.