Students will discuss mental health, watch a video, and compile stress-relief strategies. They will learn about mental health stigma and reasons individuals avoid seeking help. After reviewing a mental health statistic, students will be introduced to advocacy and start a group project promoting mental wellness and breaking down stigmas in their school community.
Students will use their Feelings Wheel Handouts at the beginning of the lesson and should have them out at the start of class to save time.
In this lesson, students will contribute ideas to a class list created either on chart paper or the board. This list should be saved for use during the next lesson, when students will have time to continue working on their group projects. Groups can use the remainder of class time to work on their Mental Health Advocacy Projects. Ideally, they should finish their Mental Health Advocacy Project Handouts in class. If time doesn’t allow for it, students should at least know what materials will be needed for them to complete their projects during the next lesson. Students must include information on how students can access mental health supports at school. Include this information for students on Slide 16. Be sure to give a heads up to the necessary school personnel, that their information will be distributed.
On Slide 9, students can reference their Self-Care Roadmaps from Lesson 1 and their Coping Strategy Shields from Lesson 2, while answering questions about methods to relieve stress.
Please ensure to pre-check videos before class, as internet policies may vary among schools, to ensure accessibility.