Finding Help When You’re Feeling Down
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about mental health and getting help.
- Talk about why it’s important to take care of your mental health.
- Read about someone who found help for their mental health.
- Listen to stories from people who got help with their mental health.
- Write about why it’s okay to ask for help.
Key Words:
- Mental health: How healthy your mind is.
- Therapy: Talking to a special helper who understands emotions and problems.
- Support group: A group of people who help each other with similar problems.
- Hotline: A phone number you can call to talk about problems.
- Stigma: Negative feelings or beliefs about something.
Let’s Talk About It!
- Have you ever felt very sad or worried for a long time? What did you do?
- Have you ever talked to a therapist or counselor?
- What are some things that can make it difficult to ask for help? (Fear of what others might think, not knowing where to find help.)
Let’s Read a Story!
John felt sad for a long time. He didn’t want to talk about it because he was worried about what people might think. But he knew he needed help. He went to see a therapist, and it helped him a lot. John also joined a support group, and it was good to talk to people who understood what he was going through.
Questions About the Story:
- Why didn’t John want to get help at first?
- What kind of help did John get?
- How did getting help change things for John?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays short clips of people talking about how they overcame their own challenges with mental health.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a friend who is feeling down. The other is a friend offering support and advice.
Example:
- Friend 1: “I’ve been feeling really stressed out lately, and I don’t know what to do.”
- Friend 2: “That sounds really tough. Have you thought about talking to a counselor? Or maybe joining a support group could help?”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about why it’s important not to be afraid to ask for help when you’re struggling with your mental health.
Extra Fun:
Make a list of mental health resources in your community, like hotlines or counseling centers.
