Lesson Plan 1: Mental Health 101

Taking care of our mental health, like physical health, is part of being human. And yet, many of us will struggle with it and feel shame about struggling with it. In this lesson, we define mental health and discuss what it means to take care of it.

Grade level: 9-12

Prep time: 10 min

Lesson duration: 55 min

Learning outcomes:

It is expected that students will:

• Have a broader understanding of what exactly mental health is by becoming aware of its positive aspects rather than just the negative.
• Learn the truth about some of the most common mental illnesses people struggle with.
• Understand that they are not alone in their struggles and recognize that these struggles look different for every person

Lesson includes:

• Workshop video and corresponding Follow Along Sheet (printable)
• Warm-up, Core Lesson, and Reinforcement Activities
• Reflection and discussion questions such as: Is the term “mental health” associated with more positive or negative things? Why do you think that is?

Materials required:

• Screen & speakers for viewing video
• Word Cloud on https://www.mentimeter.com (create a free account)
• Poster, pens, sticky notes

NB: Purchase includes access to streamable video and downloadable resources for 6 months.