Mental and Emotional Health Scenarios
Sierah Hamilton Age 16: Student at East Mecklenburg High School
Conversation with Friend
“Hi. Thanks for meeting up with me. I need to talk. I have not been myself lately. I feel down all the time and am not interested in hanging out with friends or family. My grades are awful lately and my mom is disappointed. After my parents’ divorce, I just don’t feel the same. Why do I feel this way and what can I do to start feeling better?”
Matt Jones Age 28: Middle School science teacher and loving husband and father of two kids
Conversation with Wife
“I’m glad we finally had an opportunity to have some quiet time together. I really need to talk to you about what is on my mind. Since my teenage years, I’ve dealt with anxiety. Lately, my symptoms are getting worse. I’m always worried, have aches and pains, and trouble sleeping. My job is so demanding and I don’t feel like I’m living up to the expectation of being a support and loving father. I need help coming up with strategies to decrease my anxiety throughout the day.”
Marie Boltz Age 18: Senior captain of the Cross Country team at Vance High school
Conversation with Boyfriend
“Hi. Thanks for the date. I just found out today that I got a full ride scholarship to run at Chapel Hill. We have six meets left and I need to continue to improve my times. Lately, I been feeling a little anxious about the meets because people expect so much out of me. Before the race, I feel like my heart is beating out of my chest and I sweat a lot. Do you think this is normal or should I seek help for this issue? Why do I feel this way and what can I do to calm myself down?”
James Parrish Age 37 Recently return home after 4 years in Afghanistan
Conversation with Friend
“Hi. Thanks for meeting up. I need to talk. I just do not feel like myself. While everyone continues to thank me for my service to this country, I feel hopeless and anger. I have nightmares and flashbacks. I want to be happy and feel free but I can’t. What is wrong with me and how can I begin feeling like myself again?”
Latisha Johnson Age 13: Middle school student at McClintock Middle School
Conversation with Mom
“Hi. I feel a little awkward talking about this. At school, everyone around me is always so happy and confidence. I’m not. I don’t want to go to school and sometimes convince my mom I’m sick so I can stay home. When I’m at school, I fear doing embarrassing thing and dread the idea of the teacher calling on me. Why do I feel this way? What can I do to help myself?”
Jeff Neyer Age 20: Community college student
Conversation with Dad
“Hi. This is going to be a difficult conversation for me…I’m going to drop out of college. I’m too far behind and can’t get it together. I sleep too late and I’m distracted when I’m there. My mood is unpredictable and I can’t commit to anything long term. The thoughts of suicide are overwhelming me. What is going on with me and how can I stabilize my mood?”
Athena VanHusen Age 16: Captain of the cheerleading team at South Mecklenburg
Be Mad and Annoyed. As you begin talking, start taking short quick breaths.
“I can’t believe you want to break up with me. We have been together for almost a year. I had sex with you and thought we would be together forever. I feel dizzy and I can’t breathe. What is happening to me? Help?”
Simon Hatcher Age 23: Defense lawyer
“Hi. This table is so unorganized. The silverware is not lined up and there are water spots on my spoon. The carpet is filthy and I can’t remember if I locked my doors. I think I need to leave and check to see if my doors are locked. Also, lets pick another restaurant next time…..”