Healthy Minds: Youth Mental Health Awareness
Welcome students and introduce the session. Explain that today’s lesson, “Healthy Minds,” will explore mental health basics, common challenges, coping strategies, and peer support activities. Mention the calming green gradient theme on each slide (#B8FFC4 → #C6FFD1 → #D4FFDE) to set a positive tone.
Define mental health and emphasize that it’s as important as physical health. Use simple graphics of a brain and heart connected by arrows matching the slide gradient.
Why Mental Health Matters
Share why mental health matters for high schoolers: academic performance, friendships, and family life. Show an infographic of a student juggling books, friends, and phone.
Common Mental Health Challenges
Introduce common challenges teens face. Use icons for stress, anxiety, mood swings, social pressure, and online comparisons.
List practical coping strategies. Encourage students to think which ones they already use. Use checkmark icons.
Present a brief scenario: "Alex feels overwhelmed before exams and stops socializing." Ask students: What signs did Alex show? What could help?
Present a second scenario: "Jordan compares themselves to others on social media and feels low." Ask: How might this impact Jordan’s mental health?
Divide students into small groups. Provide these prompts. Circulate and guide discussions.
Explain the activity: "Create a Peer Support Plan." Students list three supportive actions they can take for a friend and three self-care steps for themselves.
Wrap up by summarizing key takeaways and sharing resources. Encourage students to practice one new strategy this week.
