8 Lesson Plans · 8 Video Lessons · Printable Handouts
Overview
Taking care of our mental health is so important to thriving as individuals. And yet, many of us struggle with it and then feel shame about struggling with it. In this series, we explore what it means to take care of our mental health and how to combat the shame and stigma that often comes with mental illness. Recognizing the complex and deeply personal dimensions of mental illness, this series specifically looks at anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
Each lesson plan includes a 5 minute video on the topic.
Grades level: 9-12
Lesson Plan Durations: 45-60 min each
Lessons:
Lesson 1: Mental Health 101
Lesson 2: Shame & Stigma
Lesson 3: Anxiety, Part I
Lesson 4: Anxiety, Part II
Lesson 5: Depression, Part I
Lesson 6: Depression, Part II
Lesson 7: Self-Harm
Lesson 8: Suicide
Learning outcomes:
It is expected that students will learn:
DSM-5 informed definitions and descriptions of common mental illnesses, including anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation
How to be there for others who are struggling with mental illness (even if you aren't struggling yourself)
Practical tips for what to do if you find yourself struggling with mental illness
Encouraging stories of people who've struggled with mental illness and who've made it through them
Bundle includes:
All Just Breathe lesson plans, streamable videos, and accompanyingprintable material
Used the mental health material with teenagers. They really got into it. One student commented how it really helped him not only understanding himself better but understanding the other students better. Other students mentioned that it had been helpful also to potentially help others who struggle with mental health issues.
It was handy and easy to use. The videos could use a little diversity and maybe some personal stories students would be able to connect with, but it was an easy plug and play for a unit I was not sure how to teach.
I have not started using it as I only start work as of next week. I am defs using this material in my teaching demonstrations with children from disadvantaged areas who carries so much identity issues.
hello I come from Bali. Mental health is unfortunately rarely talked about in our country. but we try our best to be the agent of change by educating our small community. Thank you for sharing the lesson plan, we hope that our country becomes more aware about mental health
Free and brilliant! What more can I ask for?! I am sooo fussy when it comes to using resources and usually I end up just making my own but these are all so great! Thank you so much! :)
I shared this lesson plan with my 15yo son with ASD. These well-planned and easy-to-understand videos provided tips and strategies to manage anxiety, depression and related emotions. Good work!
I work at an inner city high school, my students often share their concerns about mental health issues with me. These lessons are a perfect addition to our weekly restorative practice circles - we love the open discussions and engaging activities! Thank you SO much for making this quality curriculum freely available!
I am so grateful for this resource. I utilize these lessons weekly with my Middle School classes. We also like the videos and guided lessons. Thank you for making these free!
I love the lesson plans and how it is all put together. I want to implement it next year and have these lessons for our grade 9-12 learners as they desperately need to discuss topics like this.
Thank you so much for all these lessons.
The Just Breathe series is excellent. The information about mental health is delivered in a clear and non-stimulating which is actually perfect. As a certified Youth Mental Health First Aider, I feel that the right topics were covered. The lesson plans and facilitator notes make this very deliverable, even if you are not certified on this area. Thank you for making this accessible.
I enjoyed the lessons. My clients enjoy the videos and the activities that are provided. They were able to express themselves and also feel comfortable with talking about mental health .
I haven't had the opportunity to implement the lessons with my students yet, but I love how interactive they are (I have used mentimeter in my classes so it will be something familiar for my students) and how well thought out. This is a valuable resource, and I'm looking forward to starting it with my students next week.
It was a great resource. The students took a lot away from it and gained a deeper meaning of what it means to live with a mental illness. The students also learned how to help a friend when needed
