My Wellness

MENTAL HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH

INTRO
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

OBJECTIVES: (Competency)

 

  • What is mental health?
    • Differences between distress, problem and disorder
  • How common is mental distress?
    • Over a 24 hour period, most if not all young people will experience mental distress
  • What are signs of being overwhelmed?
    • Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
    • Fatigue or low energy (physical or emotional exhaustion)
    • Reduced concentration (difficulties concentrating/focusing or feeling pulled in many different directions)
    • Unexpected mood changes (very high or very low moods that are unexpected or out of the ordinary)
    • Less social engagement (losing interest in previously enjoyed activities or avoiding social activities)
  • What are examples of environmental stressors?
    • e.g. writing an exam, going on a date, not making the sports team, giving a public performance, etc.
  • Do you know what your environmental stressors are/might be?
  • What are some ways to adapt to environmental stressors?
    • Healthy stress management techniques
    • Wellness-enhancing activities learned at home, from friends, trusted adults, and in school
  • How do I recognize if/when my mental health is at risk?
    • Behaviours, emotions or cognition
    • E.g. feeling anxious, feeling unhappy, thinking negative thoughts, experiencing headaches or stomach aches, avoidance, etc.
  • What sorts of personal changes can contribute to distress?
    • Students undergoing major adjustments in the home (e.g. divorce, death)
    • Socio-cultural adaptation (Socio-cultural adjustments and behavioural expectations that are different from a country of origin)
    • Are you able to identify people who could be part of your support system?
      • E.g. Teacher, counsellor, a religious leader,community organization, human services 
  • Are you aware of other mental health supports and how to access them?
    • E.g. Kids Help Line

OBJECTIVES: (Autonomy)

 

  • What critical thinking skills do students possess to help them navigate their mental health needs?

ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES


Explore Teen Mental Health
teenmentalhealth.org
Stress Explained:
High School Version

Video – Stress (Le stress)

Print – Understanding the Stress Response
Stress Explained:
Elementary Version
Video – Stress Explained

Worksheet – Stress Explained: Elementary Edition Resource
Using the mental health pyramid, brainstorm some events that would be identified by their position on the pyramid
See p.10-11 of When Something’s Wrong – Strategies for Teachers
Canadian
Mental Health Meter:

Mental Health Meter
MindShift App

(Canada)
Teaching critical thinking skills

OUTCOME MEASURES:

TBD