Things I Wish I Knew: Mental Health Series
“No amount of anxiety can change the future. No amount of regret can change the past." – Karen Salmansohn
CanopyLAB
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Course Description
“You don’t have to be positive all the time. Feeling sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared, and anxious is perfectly okay. Having feelings doesn’t make you a negative person. It makes you human.”- Lori Deschene
Have you ever learned something new and thought, “Gosh, this would have been very helpful to know years ago,” or “I wish someone had told me that when I was younger!”
We asked a handful of high schoolers, college students, and parents what they wished they had known about mental health when they were younger. In this course, we will discuss topics like: mental health is an ongoing journey, it’s okay to feel your emotions, talking about it is not wrong, etc.
In reading about these “wishes,” we hope you will learn something new and reflect on mental health. This course will spark interest in starting your journey. This course is for anyone of any age. It’s never too late to learn.
Unit 1: “I will survive”
Unit 2: “All my emotions are valid”
Unit 3: “You are more than your mental health challenges”
Unit 4: “Talking about it helps”
CanopyLAB is excited to start this journey with you around mental health. The materials in this course are for the sole purpose of being informative and do not cover all issues related to mental health. We will be discussing different topics that may be overwhelming to some learners. Additionally, this information should not replace consultation with your doctor or mental health provider. This course outlines evidence, discusses mental health, and does not constitute medical advice. Ensure you reach out to a trusted family member, friend, or medical professional if you feel the need.
Now let your learning journey begin!
Units
Unit 1
“I will survive”
'I will survive' are not just lyrics in Gloria Gaynor's hit single but are powerful words to remind yourself during burdensome times.
Amid a rainstorm, it can feel like you'll never be dry again; however, the rain will stop, and the sun will dry you off. Having unstable mental health can feel like you're new to "normal," but it is crucial to remember just like the rain, your mental health will change. A 22-year-old college student says she wishes someone would have told her that "mental health is an ongoing journey - healing is slow and takes patience and effort." Mental health journeys are messy and not linear. They don't always have a finish line. Every stage in your trip will not be the same. If you're experiencing a mental health challenge, please know that what you're going through is valid, and your experience does matter. Also, I learned everything is temporary. It really helps to take it one day at a time, acknowledge what you are feeling, and feel it. Recognize that you don't have to stay stuck. It's not about waiting it out but getting real help. A 17-year-old high school student wishes people would tell him, "It's okay to have bad days." Once we treat ourselves with patience and care, we can appreciate our journey and understand we will survive.
Move on to learn more!
Unit 2
“All my emotions are valid”
“Change comes naturally when we open ourselves to emotional pain with uncommon kindness.” - Jennifer Chrisman, Clinical Psychologist.
A mother of three wishes she was taught that all her emotions were valid. She says, “I basically wish I would’ve learned that not only could I feel all these emotions, but I should feel all of them.” Many of us are taught to ignore and judge our negative emotions. There are no “good” or “bad” feelings. It is not that simple. Of course, there are uncomfortable feelings or ones that could be potentially harmful to ourselves and others. Having “bad” feelings is not a reflection of character. If we learn how to witness our “bad” emotions with kindness and understanding rather than hiding them, we welcome ourselves to heal. Listening and processing our feelings, even the difficult ones, allows us to change our behavior in the most beneficial way. As long as we are not acting on our feelings, like hurting someone when we are angry, all emotions have a right to be felt.
Move on to the video and materials section to learn more!
Unit 3
“You are more than your mental health challenges”
A 24-year-old researcher said, "I wish people would have explained mental disorders as a chemical illness, not a moral failing. You are more than your mental health challenges." Our mental health does not define us. We can be someone living with a mental disorder, but that does not mean that's all we are. While mental health issues can feel like they take over our existence, they are still not all of you. We are a whole people whose diverse, unique, creative, funny, loved, adventurous, curious, etc.
And while mental health does not define you, mental health issues don't just happen to certain people. Anyone can struggle with their mental health. As a 17-year-old high school junior said, "mental health is grey - there aren't "crazy people" and "sane people," anyone can struggle with it."
Move on to learn more!
Unit 4
“Talking about it really helps”
A 16-year-old high schooler says, “I wish people would have taught me to be vocal about all my feelings. Talking about it helps. I was always so ashamed, but I realized everyone else had similar feelings and wasn’t alone.” Choosing to talk about mental health can make a big difference for you and the people around you. Our feelings are important indicators of what’s happening in life. Bottling up our emotions only makes them come back stronger, with potentially long-lasting effects. As people say, ‘You own your feelings instead of them owning you.’ You can talk about your feelings; once you do, a weight will be lifted off your shoulders. Also, by discussing your mental health, you lead others to open up and discuss their authentic feelings and thoughts.
Move on to learn more!
Unit 5
Certificate
Dear users, you can now download the certificates for the courses you complete on The LAB. All you have to do is follow the easy steps below:
1. Go to the “Dashboard” which you can find on the top right corner between “My Courses” and “Messages”
2. On the option “Insights” you can see all the courses you have completed. Simply click on the “download” icon under “Certificates”.
3. That’s it! Thank you for completing a course on The LAB. We look forward to seeing you again