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According to the World Health Organization, mental health is ‘a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community’. Schools are an ideal setting for supporting the mental health of young people. They play an important role in raising awareness, reducing stigma and supporting students with mental health issues. Besides offering services such as student support and school psychologists, school staff can participate in professional development such as the modules offered online by the Be You team to increase their knowledge surrounding mental health issues. Students should understand that good mental health is more than not having a mental illness. Someone with ‘good’ mental health feels capable of dealing with the normal, day-to-day situations that we all experience, while someone with a mental health issue or illness finds it difficult to manage their life. Although it’s normal to experience ups and downs, if issues persist and start impacting on a young person’s quality of life, it’s important that they seek professional support. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health issues that impact on young people. This mental health resource includes classroom lessons and Wellbeing Fives. Content has been designed to increase students’ knowledge of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and eating and other disorders. Available support services, help-seeking strategies and tips for helping a friend are also covered within the lesson plans. These lessons are linked to various curricula, including the Australian National Curriculum: General Capabilities. Teachers can also access recommended factsheets from Be You and articles from ReachOut Schools that are linked to the lesson focus. If you have a student who requires urgent help for a mental health issue, follow the procedures within your school. If you aren’t sure what these are, check with your principal or relevant wellbeing staff. You can also find out about other services that are available 24/7 here: Urgent help. |
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This lesson will support your students in knowing how and where to access professional help to support them through a mental health issue.
7-12
60 minutes
This lesson will examine how an anxiety disorder differs from ‘normal’ anxiety and supports students in managing associated behaviours and feelings.
9-10
60 minutes
This lesson will examine what depression is, suggest ways for students to support a friend they are worried about, and offer some help-seeking strategies.
9-10
60 minutes
This lesson examines eating disorders, with students discussing different disorders, the signs and symptoms of each disorder, and the professional help available.
9-10
60 minutes
Students discover the relationship between physical and mental fitness.
7-10
60 minutes
This lesson will examine post-traumatic stress disorder and psychotic disorders, with students discussing the nature of each disorder, their signs and symptoms, and the professional help available.
9-10
60 minutes
Students will identify and understand when to seek professional help for long-term anxiety and stress.
9-10
60 minutes
Students learn about the positive mental health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature.
7-10
60 minutes
Students unpack the feeling of having mixed emotions, and identity coping strategies and support options they can use to manage them.
7-8
9-10
60 minutes
Students develop ideas to contribute to a community action plan for promoting help-seeking at their school.
7-12
5 minutes
Students use a case study to understand the role that coping skills and support services play in managing mental health issues.
7-10
5 minutes
Students practise having conversations to support friends experiencing mental health difficulties.
7-12
5 minutes
Students examine mental health services available within their community.
7-10
5 minutes
This lesson focuses on helping students to understand mental health issues.
7-12
5 minutes
Students complete a quiz to help them identify support options available to them.
7-8
5 minutes
Students use a case study to identify some simple steps and strategies that can enhance their overall wellbeing, build their resilience and support them through challenging times.
7-8
5 minutes
Students identify and explore simple steps and strategies for talking to someone they trust about an issue.
7-8
5 minutes
Students examine ways they could support a friend with depression.
7-10
5 minutes
Students learn how to support a friend who is experiencing stress.
7-12
5 minutes
Students will learn about depression, including what it is, its causes, and typical signs and symptoms.
9-10
11-12
5 minutes
Through analysis of the ‘You can talk’ video, students learn how to respond when they notice a change in a friend.
9-10
5 minutes
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