Welcome students! Play the 1:16 clip “Welcome to Mental Health Month, here's where to start” (https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Qn7xfk7oF_I). After watching, ask: “What message stood out to you? How can we apply these ideas to our own mental health?” Then explain that today we’ll learn what mental health is, identify signs of stress and anxiety, practice coping strategies, and reflect on our well-being.
Play the 1:36 clip “What is Mental Health? A video for mental health awareness” (https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/G0M41N1Lyw4). Afterwards, ask:
- “What new idea did you see about mental health?”
- “How does this match or expand our definition?”
Record student responses before moving on.
Explain that stress can show up physically. Invite students to share any experiences with these sensations.
Emotional & Behavioral Signs
Discuss how stress also affects emotions and behaviors. Encourage students to add examples.
Introduce a brief guided self-compassion exercise. Play the 5:29 clip “5 Minute Self-Compassion Break” (https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/_i2zpirOwhI). Encourage students to follow along silently and notice how they feel. Afterward, ask: “What did you notice about your thoughts or body during the exercise?”
Display common stress scenarios. Ask students to silently review them and select one they relate to. Then turn to an elbow partner to share which scenario they chose and why.
Display the list of coping strategies. Ask students to review all options and silently choose two they feel would work best for them. Then turn to an elbow partner to share their choices and reasoning.
Distribute the worksheet. Circulate to support students as they identify personal stress triggers and select two coping strategies from the slide. Encourage thoughtful action plans.
Invite volunteers to share one strategy they chose and an action plan detail. Reinforce positive coping and point to support resources.
