YOU BELONG HERE Violence Prevention Curriculum

Sixth Grade

LESSON

Ten

Mental Health & Illness

60 min

This lesson is currently under review with Nest Educational Advisors. Please check back later for updates.

In this lesson, students explore the difference between mental health and mental illness, understand the stigma associated with mental health struggles, and learn how to recognize warning signs of self-harm and suicide. Students will continue to contribute to their Belonging Blueprints from Lesson 5, by brainstorming ways to create a school environment that supports mental well-being and incorporates resilience habits.
Materials
Handouts
quicklinks

how to prepare for this lesson

At the start of class, teachers should have the following prepared:

  1. Students should have journals out
  2. Video “We All Have Mental Health” tested and queued.
  3. A copy for each student of the 6.10 Self Harm Signs and Seeking Help Handout
  4. Supplies for student Belonging Blueprints available.
  5. Groups’ Belonging Blueprints from Lesson 5
  6. Have School Counselor information available to display (Direct Instruction)

lesson clips

Additional Resources

Sources

  • MedlinePlus). Anxiety, teen depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, eating disorders, self-harm. https://medlineplus.gov.
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2020). 5 action steps to help someone having thoughts of suicide.
  • KidsHealth. (n.d.). Talking about suicide.