Mental Health Lesson Plans

Young scholars discuss why mental health is important. In this health science lesson, students decide whether a given scenario shows a positive or negative state of mind. They write their reflection in the Health Journals.

Eighth graders examine the history of South Carolina's mental institutions. In this South Carolina history instructional activity, 8th graders discover details about asylums built in the state in the 1800's. Students analyze primary sources about mental health care in the states and create timelines that feature the history of mental health care in the state.

Students define mental health and complete a worksheet about themselves.  In this mental health lesson, students evaluate themselves as they score their worksheet.  Students discuss critical thinking questions about their responses.

Students examine the effects of mental illness on youth.  In this mental health studies lesson plan, students research the connection between mental illness and everyday life.  Students view a video documenting the lives of youth who suffer from various mental illnesses.  Students work together to disuss the contents of the video.

Students analyze the experiences of a fictional soldier in a war and create a mental health profile for that individual. They emulate psychiatrists and propose treatment strategies for their particular soldier's post-traumatic stress disorder.

Young scholars discuss ways to cope with stressful situations. In this mental health lesson, students identify stressful situations and how they would respond to them. Young scholars discuss their feelings.

Eleventh graders read the short story, "The Yellow Wallpaper" before researching women's issues that were prevalent during the twentieth century. They look for connections between women's issues and mental health issues, and discuss these topics. Finally, they write a persuasive essay about society's attitudes as they contribute to mental illness.

Learners explore the concept of the economy and mental health. In this economy and mental health lesson plan, students read an article about how the mental health community is booming due to the poor economy. Learners discuss ways to deal with mental health problems and what may be the cause. Students create a spending plan for their group that alleviates stress instead of causing it.

Students identify feelings. In this mental health lesson, students read the book Sometimes I Feel Like a Mouse and create shamrock faces with an assigned mood or feeling depicted.

Learners explore discrimination by the media. In this media awareness lesson, students examine stigmas concerning mental illnesses as they are portrayed in the media.