Embedded Files
This important health unit focuses on learning about common mental health issues. Students need the tools to identify depression and suicidal ideation, and seek help from trusted adults when necessary. We hope to demystify and destigmatize mental illness, and empower students to take charge of their own mental health.
Essential Questions:
-Why is it important to recognize the signs and symptoms depression, suicidal intentions or self injury?
-How might friends, family, and mental health professionals help an individual cope with common mental health disorders?
-How can we get help for ourselves or a friend who is struggling socially, mentally, or emotionally?
-How do optimistic, resilient adolescents positively manage stress?
-What is self injury, and why do some teens engage in this behavior?
-What situations put people more at risk for depression and suicide?
Erika's Lighthouse Website- Click HERE. Their Mission: By raising awareness of depression and reducing the stigma that surrounds it through depression education that is teen-centered, factual and hopeful.
Content to Learn & Practice
Content to Learn & Practice
The slideshow above covers all of the basics about depression and suicide prevention. There are also some "notes" below that you may find helpful. The slides towards the end are in a Q and A style format- which is great for preparing for your knowledge assessment at the end of the unit. Studying the Quizlet vocabulary is a super idea as well!
Click on the Elyssa's Mission graphic above for a HUGE list of resources you can access! There are even more below!
Click on the image below to get to a practice Quizizz Quiz!
Review the Notes
Essential Vocabulary: Practice Using Quizlet Here!
*Don't forget to study information about self injury- the slide show below will help you.
Check out this really cool resource! (below)
Check out this really cool resource! (below)
Erika's Lighthouse
Erika's Lighthouse
Real teenagers discussing adolescent depression; its feeling, its effects, and where to seek help. *This video provides a superb overview of depression for our unit.
Kelsey's Story: One Girl's Message of Hope
Kelsey's Story: One Girl's Message of Hope
This ten minute video highlights one girl's hopeful story of overcoming depression. It is told from a 360 degree perspective, her own account, and also from her family and friends. This is a great educational tool and conversation starter for middle/high school classrooms, parent education groups, youth groups, etc.
About Erika's Lighthouse
About Erika's Lighthouse
Peggy Kubert, Erika's Lighthouse Director of Education, gives a brief history of this wonderful organization. The Mission is the same today as it was when it all began!
Helpful Videos About Depression, Suicide Prevention, and Fighting Stigma
Helpful Videos About Depression, Suicide Prevention, and Fighting Stigma
SOS Friends for Life: Elyssa's Story
SOS Friends for Life: Elyssa's Story
SOS Friends for Life: Preventing Teen Suicide DVDVisit: http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/SOS for more information.
Teen Suicide Prevention
Teen Suicide Prevention
In this video created by Mayo Clinic, teens describe common signs that a teen is considering suicide and provide encouragement for communicating directly and immediately for support and safety. It also Includes suggestions for what to say to a teen who may be at risk for suicide and ways to keep them safe. Things can get better. Don't be afraid to ASK!
What is STIGMA and How Can We Fight It?
What is STIGMA and How Can We Fight It?
Wow! This teen vlogger gives some amazing advice. I'm really impressed by her use of a YoutTube channel to ADVOCATE for helping people with mental health issues.
Some of the BEST National Resources for more information about mental illness (more than just depression). Get information! Get help! Get involved! Be an ADVOCATE for change!
Some of the BEST National Resources for more information about mental illness (more than just depression). Get information! Get help! Get involved! Be an ADVOCATE for change!
The Situation: You're really concerned about yourself or a loved one. There are no trusted adults around...
The Situation: You're really concerned about yourself or a loved one. There are no trusted adults around...
The two resources to the right are great options!
This hotline is staffed 24/7/365 by trained professionals! Don't ever be afraid to call if you are in need of help or advice.
There is a text line too! Teens tend to like the texting!
Building Schema / Better Understanding
Building Schema / Better Understanding
Going Beyond
Going Beyond
Assessments to Expect
Assessments to Expect
ACT Script Practice Assignment- Students will choose a scenario, and will prepare an Acknowledge, Care, Tell response to be of help to one's self, or a loved one in a possible depressed state.
*Main National Health Education Standard(s) being assessed: 8 ~ Advocacy
*Main National Health Education Standard(s) being assessed: 8 ~ Advocacy
You will take a GoFormative Quiz at the end of the unit. *Main National Health Education Standard(s) being assessed: 1 ~ Knowledge
Unit Content / Concepts
Unit Content / Concepts
Increase knowledge of depression, suicide and self injury
Decrease negative attitudes of depression and its treatment
Increase self-advocacy and peer to peer intervention
Increase student engagement in activities which promote mental health
Increase awareness of risk factors and signs of suicide
Learning Targets
Learning Targets
I can recognize that depression is a common and serious brain disorder that can happen to anyone.
I can realize that it’s not someone's fault if they have depression, and they are not alone.
I can understand that depression is serious, and it’s the #1 risk factor to suicide.
I can identify that depression is marked by a chemical imbalance in the brain that impacts moods, thoughts, and behaviors.
I can be aware of the fact that sometimes genetics can play a role in whether or not someone gets depression.
I can be aware that sometimes stress in the environment can trigger depression, and I can identify common stressors in my own life.
I can practice asking for help for myself and for a friend.
I can list 8 symptoms of depression, and note that people need several symptoms present most every day for at least two weeks for a diagnosis of depression to be given.
I can understand that an actual diagnosis of depression must be from a doctor. However, friends, family, and trusted adults can be instrumental in guiding a person towards help.
I can understand the three major treatment options for depression.
I can list ways to support a friend who is struggling with depression.
I can practice the ACT protocol (Acknowledge, Care, Tell), which is a method of advocating for myself or a friend.
I can understand the nature of youth suicide; risk and protective factors.
I can identify warning signs of suicidal intentions and clues; and appropriate intervention steps.
I can find and establish support services within my community for depression and suicidal intentions
I can understand the facts about SI (Self Injury).
I can figure out ways to practice good mental health that work best for me.
National Health Education Standards
National Health Education Standards
-Addressed / Practiced in this unit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-Knowledge & Skills Assessed in this unit: 1,7, 8
Infographics
Infographics
Here is a copy of a wonderful pamphlet from the National Institute of Mental Health. It pretty much sums up the Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention Unit. Read ON!
Teen Depression Handout from NIH.pdf
Report abuse