Mental Health Lessons


​Being able to be your true self
is one of the strongest components
of good mental health. 

- Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy
Big Questions

  1. What is Mental Illness and who gets it?
  2. How do we eliminate stigma?
  3. How can we improve awareness & treatment?
The assignments that have activities are in red.
1. Mental Health Definitions & Statistics
Discussion on the different types of mental illness.
2. Mental Health Strategies
Learn about the benefits of
  • ​Keeping a​ gratitude journal
  • Using affirmations 
  • Practicing mindfulness
3. Road to Empathy & Understanding
Blame, Shame and Empathy
  • Dr. Brene Brown presents the thought process for  blame and shame, and provides an example of how one can demonstrate empathy instead of sympathy.
  • A chart and article offer a deeper understanding of how stigma is created and how we can move towards a healthier perspective. 
Out of the shadows and into the light:
  • Testimonials of mental health struggles to break the stigma. 
Click on image for Ambient Study Music 3:01
4.  Suicide Prevention
  • ​Discussion on strategies for prevention
  • Survivors of loved ones who have committed suicide
  • Statistics on suicide and signs of depression
5. Sirens in Her Belly Poetry
  • Poems that relate to the topic as well as contextual information. 
6. Research Project
  • Present information on a cultural group, the group's attitudes towards mental health, and the ideas of stigma and suicide.