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thanks for nami utah and lana cooms harris intermediate school for their help with this lesson mental health matters how long to teach 45 min usoe health objectives standard 1 students will demonstrate the ability to use mental and emotional health knowledge skills and strategies to enhance self-concept and their relationships with others objective 2 identify strategies that enhance mental and emotional health c explore the risk and protective factors of mental and emotional health objective 3 examine mental illness a explain the effects of mental disorders on individuals and society b investigate school and community mental health resources c compare the public perception of physical and mental illnesses and the stigma associated with mental illnesses d encourage effective peer intervention teaching objectives compare the different attitudes towards physical illness and mental illness understand the continuum of mental health good health to severe and persistent illness recognize the warning signs of mental health problems understand the symptoms of the early-onset mental illnesses recognize how mental illness affects a person s thoughts feelings and behaviors identify ways to improve mental health and get help if needed teacher notes the power point with lesson was provided by nami utah and can be used as a resource to support the concepts of this lesson this lesson offers an opportunity to note to teacher please read provide accurate information about this lesson offers an opportunity to provide accurate information about a subject a subject that that many people don t understand and about which they have inaccurate many people don t beliefs because of the potentially sensitive subject we recommend that you understand and alert the school counselor to let them know that you will be teaching about about which they mental illness let students know if they have any concerns about themselves have inaccurate or a friend to talk with the counselor or a trusted adult beliefs because of the potentially materials required for this lesson sensitive subject handout common mental illnesses who ya gonna call school and personal we recommend that resources you alert the school video mood disorders hope for tomorrow for copy of video contact the counselor to let them national alliance on mental illness of utah nami utah know that you will http www.namiut.org or call 801-323-9900 or toll free 1-877-230-6264 be teaching about posters mental illness who is affected stigma eliminating stigma treatment mental illness let why early intervention and treatment is important students know if they have any concerns readiness or setting the focus getting the lesson started about themselves or 1 explain that the purpose of our discussion on mental illness is to raise a friend to talk with awareness about mental illness erase stigma and foster hope the counselor or a trusted adult a show the poster mental illness and explain that mental illnesses are conditions that affect the brain biological brain disorders when the brain gets sick it s no different than when other parts of the body get sick they can change the way people feel think and or behave they can disrupt daily functioning and the ability to relate to others b reinforce that like other health problems like diabetes or asthma mental illnesses can happen to anyone mental illnesses can affect anybody regardless of race ethnicity gender age or background.

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c explain that mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness or poor upbringing make it known that they are not related to a person s character or intelligence and cannot be overcome through will power 2 show the poster who is affected and explain that mental illnesses are surprisingly common about 50 million people in the u.s are affected by mental illness and that almost every family in america is affected further explain that symptoms of mental illnesses typically begin to appear in adolescence or young adulthood half of all lifetime cases begin by age 14 three quarters have begun by age 24 teacher notes 3 ask students to share what they know about mental illness have them share what words come to mind when they see or hear the word mental illness list the words on the board a show the poster stigma and explain that there is often a stigma when it comes to mental illness define stigma something judged by others as a sign of shame embarrassment disgrace or humiliation b explain that the stigma is perpetuated through the use of derogatory language and labels ignorance misconceptions and preconceived notions stereotypes and hurtful representations in the media have the class give examples of language misconceptions and stereotypes that add to the stigma c use the poster eliminating stigma and explain and give examples of how stigma can be hurtful and lead to ridicule and mistreatment give examples of how it can also create barriers and cause people to turn their back on people with mental illnesses which can lead to isolation exclusion and discrimination it can also prevent people from seeking treatment or getting the help they need because of embarrassment or fear of ridicule and mistreatment 4 discuss ways to eliminate stigma such as a use respectful language b don t label people with words like crazy or wacko c make a distinction between the person and the illness say he or she has bipolar not he or she is bipolar d learn the facts about mental illness and share them with others e treat people with mental illnesses with respect and dignity as you would anyone else f if someone tells you about his or her mental illness be understanding and supportive g respect the rights of people with mental illnesses and speak out about unfair treatment strategies and activities 1 explain that there are more than 200 types of mental and emotional disorders ranging from mild to severe have students suggest a mental disorder they are familiar with a give students a copy of the common mental illnesses handout and discuss various mental disorders.

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2 explain that like physical illnesses mental illness requires treatment use the posters treatment why some people don t seek help and treatment and why early intervention and treatment is important to help with this discussion a ask students to give examples and briefly discuss various types of treatments for mental illness medication therapy support groups counseling or even hospitalization teacher notes b have students give examples of why they think some people don t seek help and treatment reinforce that some people feel ashamed or afraid to seek help due to the stigma some people don t realize they are ill or think it will just go away and they can get over it on their own some people don t realize their illness can be treated or they don t know where to go to for help c reinforce that it is very important to seek help if you suspect that you or someone else you know has a mental illness treatment works there is help and there is hope 3 watch hope for tomorrow dvd mood disorders segment a review what students learned about mood disorders have students give examples of how the mood disorders not only affect the person with the illness but also family and friends b ask students to give other examples of the effects mental illness can have on individuals and society c ask students what they learned about treatment and especially what the young people in the video said about treatment 4 explain why early intervention and treatment is important a reinforce that mental illness can be successfully treated relate the discussion to physical illnesses that can be treated b treatment can help most people feel better and stay better c treatment can relieve symptoms and many people recover completely just like with physical illnesses d early treatment can prevent more serious problems and can lead to the development of additional mental illnesses just like with physical illnesses closure 1 divide the class into groups give them about 10 minutes to list as many school and community resources that young people can go to for help and support for mental or emotional problems you may want to supply each group with a local phone book to help them find additional resources use the handout who ya gonna call and school and personal resources to help guide the activity a have each group share their results discuss the various school and community resources as well as internet sites.

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b ask the students which resources young people are most likely to access and why 2 have students share ideas on what can be done to so young people are more likely to seek help and treatment ask students to share what they learned to a raise awareness about mental illness b erase stigma about mental illness c foster hope 3 distribute handout various mental illnesses and have students complete the worksheet teacher notes resources and opportunities for continued development and independent practice what teachers need to know review recommendations on helpful ways for school professionals and families to talk about mental health related concerns included with this lesson website resources the national alliance on mental illness nami http www.nami.org the national alliance on mental illness of utah http www.namiut.org teens health http kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind national institute on drug abuse http teens.drugabuse.gov/index.php substance abuse and mental health http www.samhsa.gov the national institute of mental health www.nimh.nih.gov care cope deal http www.copecaredeal.org american psychological association http www.apahelpcenter.org additional teacher resources hope for tomorrow a free mental health education curriculum with components for students teachers and parents on mood disorders substance use disorders and eating disorders a program of the national alliance on mental illness of utah see www.namiut.org or call 801-323-9900 for more information the science of mental illness ­ a curriculum supplement series for grades 6-8 from the national institute of mental health http science.education.nih.gov supplements/nih5/mental/default.htm understanding mental health and mental illness mental health high school curriculum guide from the canadian mental health association http www cmha.ca/highschoolcurriculum mind matters understanding mental illness http www.mindmatters.edu.au local resources the national alliance on mental illness of utah nami utah http www.namiut.org or call 801-323-9900 or toll free 1-877-230-6264 information and referral http www.informationandreferral.org or call 211 or 1-888-826-9790.

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mental illness mental illnesses are conditions that affect the brain they can causes changes the way people feel think and/or behave they can disrupt daily functioning and the ability to relate with others like other health problems like diabetes or asthma mental illnesses can happen to anyone mental illnesses can affect anybody regardless of race ethnicity gender age or background mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness or poor upbringing they are not related to a person s character or intelligence and cannot be overcome through will power no one knows the exact cause of mental illnesses they are a product of the interaction of biological psychological and social factors family history genetics brain chemistry or stressful events may contribute to their development mental disorders fall along a continuum of severity from less severe and situational depression that occurs after a death to severe and debilitating.

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who is affected mental illnesses are surprisingly common about 50 million people in the u.s are affected by mental illness almost every family in america is affected by a mental illness five to nine percent of children experience serious emotional disturbances symptoms of mental illnesses typically begin to appear in adolescence or young adulthood unlike most disabling physical diseases mental illness begins very early in life half of all lifetime cases begin by age 14 three quarters have begun by age 24.

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stigma a stigma is something judged by others as a sign of shame embarrassment disgrace or humiliation unfortunately there is a social stigma associated with mental illnesses this stigma is perpetuated through the use of derogatory language and labels misconceptions preconceived notions stereotypes and hurtful representations in the media and a lack of knowledge this stigma can be painful for individuals and for families it can lead to disrespect ridicule and intolerance and mistreatment stigma can also create barriers that cause people to turn their back on people with mental illnesses which can lead to isolation exclusion and discrimination it also prevents people from seeking treatment or getting the help they need.

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eliminating stigma what you can do use respectful language don t label people with words like crazy wacko psycho or by their diagnosis instead of saying someone is a schizophrenic say he or she has schizophrenia it s important to make a distinction between the person and the illness learn the facts about mental illness and share them with others especially when you hear something that isn t true treat people with mental illnesses with respect and dignity as you would anyone else if someone tells you about his or her mental illness be understanding and supportive respect the rights of people with mental illnesses and speak out about unfair treatment.

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treatment like physical illness mental illness may require treatment a diagnosis is based on a person s symptoms how long they have been going on and how much they affect daily life only a qualified mental health professional can make a diagnosis treatment varies depending on the individual some people work with therapist counselors psychologist psychiatrists nurses or social workers they also use self-help strategies and support groups often people combine these treatments with some of the most advanced medications available like other health problems some types of mental illness require ongoing treatment or even hospitalization as with any type of illness love support from family and friend and treatment are keys to recovery.

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why some people don t seek help and treatment some people feel ashamed or afraid to seek help for an emotional health problem the stigma associated with mental illness is one of the biggest barriers to recovery some people may not realize they are ill some people may think it will just go away and they can get over it on their own some people don t realize their illness can be treated or they don t know where to go for help it s very important to seek help if you suspect that you or someone you know has a mental illness.

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why early intervention and treatment is important mental illness can be successfully treated treatment helps most people feel better and stay better treatment can relieve symptoms and many people recover completely for some people recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life for others recovery is the reduction or complete remission of symptoms early treatment can prevent more serious problems and can lead to the development of additional mental illnesses if left untreated a mental illness can be even more difficult to treat if left untreated mental illness can lead to school failure family conflict violence unnecessary disability substance abuse homelessness incarceration and suicide it can be very costly to families communities and the health care system.

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school and personal resources name family religious leaders or other trusted adults use various resources and find the names and telephone numbers of these people who can provide help for mental and emotional distress period internet sites teachers or other school staff school and community resources school nurse or school counselors medical and mental health professionals

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who ya gonna call where you can go to for help and support family members or other trusted adults religious leaders teachers counselor or other school staff principal school counselors school nurse family doctor private counselor or therapist hospital crisis day/night psychotherapist health department teen line 1-800-479-8336 mon-fri 6:00 p.m 10 p.m local mental health experts community resources primary children s medical center crisis referral 1-801-265-3049 lds mental health www.ldsmentalhealth.org nami utah 801-323.9900 or 877.230.6264 www.namiut.org national hopeline network 1-800-442-4673 hope national suicide prevention hotline 1-800-784-2433suicide national talkline 1-800-999-9999 state/national mental health resources there is hope there is help available.

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name period various mental illnesses 1 a person with this disorder experience persistent and unwelcome thoughts obsessions which give rise to ritualistic practices compulsions that are intended to control the intruding thoughts people may feel compelled to count objects check things repeatedly or wash their hands over and over again severe cases can take up so much of a person s time and concentration that the actions of normal life are nearly impossible 2 this is one of the most common mood disorders in teens it involves a sense of persistent sadness and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities it s different from the blues and can t be wished or willed away it can impact a person s thoughts sense of worth sleep appetite energy and concentration it can occur as a single debilitating episode or as recurring episodes 3 extreme changes in mood from the lows of depression to the highs of mania characterize this debilitating illness during the manic phase a person may exhibit risky behaviors distractibility feelings of increased self-importance irritability and a reduced need for sleep in the depression phase extreme sadness lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness make it difficult for a person to go about the business of daily life 4 one of the first signs of this illness is often a psychotic episode in which the person hears voices or believes others are threatening him these fragmented bizarre thoughts are called delusions and they often go hand in hand with hallucinations and disorganized behavior these symptoms are frightening to the person and to his or her family or friends 5 this disorder occurs without warning and can cause frightening physical symptoms that seem almost like a heart attach heart racing stomach churning head spinning left untreated this disorder can cause the person with it to avoid triggering situations or places which can be extremely disruptive to his or her everyday life in about a third of the cases it can even result in agoraphobia a condition in which a person becomes isolated or housebound luckily it s highly treatable 6 a terrifying experience ­ military combat a car accident abuse a natural disaster can bring about a terrifying conditions a person with this condition relives his or her trauma through nightmares or upsetting thoughts this reliving can make him or her feel detached numb irritable or aggressive ordinary events can trigger a flashback episode or cause a resurgence of the unpleasant thoughts 7 this diagnosis mostly applies to children who consistently display behaviors like inattention hyperactivity and impulsivity they have a hard time keeping their minds on a task and may get bored after just a few minutes they can t sit still and may talk or dash about continually it s important to remember that children ­ or adults with this disorder aren t doing it on purpose 8 people with this disorder experience a debilitating fear of interacting with others or appearing in public some have problems with public speaking some with eating in public and some with just being around others they fear that other people are watching or judging them.

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name period various mental illnesses 1 obsessive compulsive disorder a person with this disorder experience persistent and unwelcome thoughts obsessions which give rise to ritualistic practices compulsions that are intended to control the intruding thoughts people may feel compelled to count objects check things repeatedly or wash their hands over and over again severe cases can take up so much of a person s time and concentration that the actions of normal life are nearly impossible 2 depressoin this is one of the most common mood disorders in teens it involves a sense of persistent sadness and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities it s different from the blues and can t be wished or willed away it can impact a person s thoughts sense of worth sleep appetite energy and concentration it can occur as a single debilitating episode or as recurring episodes 3 bipolar disorder extreme changes in mood from the lows of depression to the highs of mania characterize this debilitating illness during the manic phase a person may exhibit risky behaviors distractibility feelings of increased self-importance irritability and a reduced need for sleep in the depression phase extreme sadness lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness make it difficult for a person to go about the business of daily life 4 schizophrenia one of the first signs of this illness is often a psychotic episode in which the person hears voices or believes others are threatening him these fragmented bizarre thoughts are called delusions and they often go hand in hand with hallucinations and disorganized behavior these symptoms are frightening to the person and to his or her family or friends 5 anxiety disorders this disorder occurs without warning and can cause frightening physical symptoms that seem almost like a heart attach heart racing stomach churning head spinning left untreated this disorder can cause the person with it to avoid triggering situations or places which can be extremely disruptive to his or her everyday life in about a third of the cases it can even result in agoraphobia a condition in which a person becomes isolated or housebound luckily it s highly treatable 6 post traumatic stress disorder a terrifying experience ­ military combat a car accident abuse a natural disaster can bring about a terrifying conditions a person with this condition relives his or her trauma through nightmares or upsetting thoughts this reliving can make him or her feel detached numb irritable or aggressive ordinary events can trigger a flashback episode or cause a resurgence of the unpleasant thoughts 7 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder adhd this diagnosis mostly applies to children who consistently display behaviors like inattention hyperactivity and impulsivity they have a hard time keeping their minds on a task and may get bored after just a few minutes they can t sit still and may talk or dash about continually it s important to remember that children ­ or adults with this disorder aren t doing it on purpose 8 anxiety disorders people with this disorder experience a debilitating fear of interacting with others or appearing in public some have problems with public speaking some with eating in public and some with just being around others they fear that other people are watching or judging them.

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