Lesson Plan 2: Shame & Stigma

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 talk about the helpful ways we can combat that shame and stigma.

Grade level: 9-12

Prep time: 10 min

Lesson duration: 50 min

Learning outcomes:

It is expected that students will:

• Understand what affects their mental health and why struggling with it is not their fault.
• Reflect on the role comparison plays in how we feel about ourselves and acknowledge that we don’t know what is actually going on in other people’s internal lives.
• Explore the idea of self-compassion and patience for themselves.

Lesson includes

• Workshop video and corresponding Follow Along Sheet (printable)
• Warm-up, Core Lesson, and Reinforcement Activities
• Reflection and discussion questions such as:
• Why do you think there is little stigma around physical health, but so much around mental health?
• How would you respond and feel if someone close to you confided in you about their personal mental health challenges?

Materials Required (not included):

• Screen & speakers for viewing video
• Paper, Pens, Envelopes 

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