Lesson Plan

Mind Matters: Mental Health 101

Educate 8th graders on recognizing mental health struggles (depression, anxiety, substance abuse), provide basic coping tools, and encourage peer support and help-seeking behavior.

Mental health awareness is crucial for early identification of issues, ensuring students feel supported, and reducing stigma associated with mental health struggles.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 Minutes

Step 1

Introduction (10 Minutes)

10 Minutes

Step 2

Main Activity & Discussion (25 Minutes)

25 Minutes

Step 3

Wrap-Up & Resources (10 Minutes)

10 Minutes

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Mental Health Awareness

Introduce the slide deck by explaining that these slides will guide the discussion on mental health struggles and coping techniques. Emphasize that the visuals are there to help remember key points and spark discussion among peers.

Understanding Common Mental Health Struggles

Discuss the key mental health terms. Ask students if they have heard these terms before and what they mean. Clarify any misconceptions.

Recognizing Signs

Encourage students to think about signs they or their peers might observe. This helps in self and peer recognition of these feelings.

Coping Strategies

Highlight basic techniques to cope with mental health issues. Discuss these as a class and ask if students have encountered similar strategies before.

Supporting Each Other

Summarize the discussion from previous slides and stress the importance of seeking help. Mention school resources or trusted adults as support systems.

Wrap-Up & Questions

Wrap up the session by summarizing main points, reiterating available support, and encouraging any questions for further clarification.

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Worksheet

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Mind Matters: Mental Health 101

Eric Dragsbaek

Tier 1
For Districts
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