Scenario Generator

Real mental health situations, described in everyday language. These scenarios help you understand what mental health challenges actually look like — and how to respond with empathy.

How to use these scenarios

Read each scenario and ask yourself: How would I respond? What does this person need? What assumptions might I be making? The discussion hint below each scenario will help guide your thinking.

Anxiety

Sarah has a big presentation tomorrow. She has been feeling a tightness in her chest and cannot stop thinking about everything that could go wrong. She is considering calling in sick to avoid it.

Discussion hint: This scenario explores avoidance as a coping strategy and its long-term effects on anxiety.

Depression

David used to love playing guitar on weekends, but for the past month he has not touched it. He feels tired all the time, even after sleeping ten hours, and struggles to find the energy to cook dinner.

Discussion hint: This scenario illustrates anhedonia (loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities) and fatigue as symptoms of depression.

Burnout

Alex has been working 60-hour weeks for six months. Lately, he has been snapping at his coworkers over minor issues and feels cynical about the value of his work, which he used to be passionate about.

Discussion hint: This scenario covers the three core dimensions of burnout: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.

Panic Attack

Jamie is at a crowded shopping mall. She suddenly feels dizzy, her heart is racing, and she has an overwhelming urge to escape — even though there is no immediate danger.

Discussion hint: This scenario describes the physical and psychological experience of a panic attack and how bystanders can respond helpfully.

Supporting a Friend

Your friend texts you late at night: 'I just cannot do this anymore. Everything is too hard.' You are not sure what they mean, but you are worried.

Discussion hint: This scenario tests knowledge of how to respond to a friend in distress — asking directly, listening without judgment, and connecting them to help.

Turn a scenario into a quiz question

Use the Quiz Builder to create scenario-based questions like these for any mental health topic.

Open Quiz Builder