The number of teenage and young adult suicides is rapidly increasing. Hope lies in learning and talking. Research says that when young children and teenagers learn 1) about mental health and 2) to talk about their feelings, they will be able to manage future life crises better. Use these resources to start discussions to help your students have a future.
Warm-up
“Whatever Gets You Talking” | Seize the Awkward | Ad Council – YouTube (2:24)https://youtu.be/cJDNCpFlje8You don’t need to be there, to be there for a friend. Checking in with a friend can make a big difference, now more than ever.
Breaking the Stigma – A short film about mental health – YouTube (1:41)https://youtu.be/4dEcMsz6BasBarking and Dagenham Youth Forum wants to get young people of Barking and Dagenham talking about mental health.
SHAKE UP THE CONVERSATION – YouTube (1:10)https://youtu.be/mir27AZtF8M“Think of our minds like a bottle of soda. Life shakes us up and inside pressure builds. That pressure is looking for somewhere to go and if we don’t release it, it grows.”
Reading
Doing What Matters in Times of Stresshttps://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003927An Illustrated Guide is a stress management guide for coping with adversity. The guide aims to equip people with practical skills to help cope with stress. – Download and scroll down a few pages to find the gem!
Seize the Awkward | Talk With A Friend About Mental Healthhttps://seizetheawkward.org/Having a conversation about mental health might be uncomfortable, but it can make all the difference. Check out these tools – from conversation guides to tips –that can help you help those in need.
Viewing
You are not your thoughts – (4:00)https://youtu.be/0QXmmP4psbAThis video explains some of the things you can try when you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts. After the video, take a few moments to observe your thoughts with curiosity, paying attention to how each one makes you feel.
Half of Us – Press Pause – YouTube (1-2 min each)https://youtu.be/wJh4EaORHw8The Jed Foundation and MTV’s Half of Us campaign is telling the stories that help us better understand emotional health issues, and providing the information and resources to reach out for help and feel better. – A playlist
Teen Anxiety – YouTube (4:35)https://youtu.be/sBH4HnuNTTYOur Teen Line Listener, Leah, shares her personal experiences with anxiety. She speaks on the power of opening up about your emotions, and reaching out for help
Mental Health: In Our Own Words – YouTube (6:40)https://youtu.be/_y97VF5UJcc13 people, aged 18-25 talk about what it’s like to live with a mental health problem, and what helps them cope.
How Stress Affects the Brain – YouTube (1:52)https://youtu.be/5u0z7-BJec0Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes long-term or overwhelming, it can be harmful. Learn what happens in your brain when you’re stressed.
Fight Flight Freeze – Anxiety Explained For Teens – YouTube (2:41)https://youtu.be/rpolpKTWrp4(www.anxietycanada.com)Watch this video developed by Anxiety Canada to learn how anxiety keeps us alive, and how worries in your head affect what you feel inside
Overcoming Anxiety | Jonas Kolker | TEDxTheMastersSchool – YouTube (10:!4)https://youtu.be/A1anXJhVamcJonas Kolker’s talk will explore the concept of “embracing the suck.” How does one turn a diagnosis into activism, empowerment and coaching?
It’s OK To Talk About Youth Mental Health – YouTube (2:00)https://youtu.be/yWkepfPInnkIt is important for parents and adults that work with children and teens to have open conversations with young people. – Use the Closed Captions
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