Lesson Plan 5: Depression, Part I

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, and yet it’s difficult to talk about because it can feel incredibly isolating and shameful to live with. This lesson dives into what exactly depression is and what it could look like in those around you.

Grade level: 9-12

Prep time: 10 min

Lesson duration: 60 min

Learning outcomes:

It is expected that students will:

• Be able to explain the difference between situational depression and living with depression.
• Recognize that there are different kinds of losses and that everyone is affected by them in different ways.
• Explain how we can notice depression show up in ourselves physically, and in how we think and feel.

Lesson includes:

• Workshop video and corresponding Follow Along Sheet (printable)
• Warm-up, Core Lesson, and Reinforcement Activities
• Reflection and discussion questions such as:
• Describe situational depression and lasting depression. What are the similarities? What are the differences?

Materials Required (not included):

• Screen & speakers for viewing video
• Regular paper, glue sticks, magazines to cut up, scissors, markers

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