Mind Matters Slides Mind Matters
Awareness, Connection, & Advocacy
Today's Goals
01
Understand the Mental Health Continuum and how our wellbeing fluctuates.
02
Identify signs of struggle in ourselves and our peers.
03
Practice supportive communication and advocacy skills .
The Mental Health Continuum
Healthy
Resilient, calm, performing well
Stressed
Nervous, irritable, low energy
Struggling
Anxious, angry, withdrawing
Unwell
Significant distress, needs help
"Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you are going."
Recognizing the Signs
Mood
• Excessive worrying
• Feeling sad or low
• Extreme mood swings
• Irritability or anger
Behavior
• Withdrawing from friends
• Changes in eating/sleeping
• Quitting activities they love
• Difficulty concentrating
Physical
• Unexplained aches/pains
• Looking tired all the time
• Neglecting appearance
• Rapid weight changes
Supportive Conversations: L.E.N.S.
L
Listen Actively
Give full attention; don't interrupt.
E
Empathize
Try to understand their feelings.
N
No Judgment
Keep an open mind; avoid blame.
S
Seek Help
Connect them to trusted adults.
Why L.E.N.S.?
It's not about being a therapist. It's about being a bridge between your peer and the help they might need.
How to Start the Conversation
Openers
"I've noticed you've been a bit quiet lately. How are you really doing?"
"Hey, I'm here if you ever want to vent about anything."
"You don't seem like yourself today. Is there anything I can help with?"
Validators
"It makes total sense that you're feeling overwhelmed right now."
"I'm so glad you told me. Thank you for trusting me."
"That sounds really tough. I'm here for you, whatever you need."
Mental Health Advocacy
Individual Advocacy
Supporting a friend, finding resources for a peer, or speaking up for your own needs.
Systemic Advocacy
Working to change school policies, reducing stigma through events, or pushing for funding.
Advocacy is using your voice to make wellness a priority for everyone.
Ways to Advocate Today
Model Wellness
Be open about self-care and normalize taking breaks when needed.
Challenge Stigma
Gently correct friends when they use harmful language or stereotypes.
Share Resources
Ensure peers know the location of the school counselor's office.
Small consistent actions lead to big culture shifts.
You Are Not Alone
School Resources
• Guidance Counselors
• School Social Worker
• Trusted Teachers
• Student Success Office
Community Support
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
• Text CONNECT to 686868
• Good2Talk (Ontario Service)
• Local Hospital Crisis Teams
Remember: Reaching out is a sign of immense strength.
Connection Toolkit Worksheet Connection Toolkit
Supporting Others & Practicing L.E.N.S.
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Case Study Analysis
Scenario: Alex’s Sudden Shift
Alex has always been the "loud one" in your friend group. They’re the first to start a group chat and the last to leave practice. But over the past three weeks, Alex hasn't shown up to any after-school hangouts. When they are at school, they're wearing the same hoodie every day and seem to be avoiding eye contact. In your chemistry lab, usually where Alex is joking around, they sat in silence and didn't even open their notebook. You overheard another student say Alex has been "acting weird," and when you texted them, Alex replied with a single word: "Fine."
1. Identify the signs of struggle you noticed in Alex's behavior.
2. On the Mental Health Continuum (Healthy - Stressed - Struggling - Unwell), where might Alex be? Why?
Part 2: L.E.N.S. Conversation Practice
With a partner, choose one of the roles below (Friend or Alex). Use the L.E.N.S. framework (Listen, Empathize, No Judgment, Seek Help) to script a short conversation to support Alex.
Listen & Empathize
What is an opening line you could use to show you're paying attention to their changes?
Seek Help
If Alex admits they are struggling, what's a supportive way to suggest a trusted adult?
Draft Your Supportive Script Below
Reflection: What was the most challenging part of this conversation?
L isten E mpathize N o Judgment S eek Help
Mind Matters Advocacy • Grade 9-12 Resource
Voice for Change Journal Voice for Change Journal
Name: Date:
Part 1: Advocacy Brainstorm
Advocacy is about using your voice and actions to support yourself and others. Think about your school or local community. What is one specific step you can take in each category?
Individual Advocacy
Example: Supporting a peer, modeling self-care, or speaking up for your needs.
Systemic Advocacy
Example: Starting a wellness club or challenging harmful stereotypes at school.
Part 2: Reflective Writing
Reflect on today’s lesson. How has your perspective on mental health changed? What will you carry with you into your daily life?
1. What is one new skill or insight you gained about supporting others?
2. Why is advocacy essential for creating a mentally healthy culture in our school?
"Your voice has the power to change someone's world."
Mind Matters Facilitator Guide Teacher Resource
Mind Matters:
Facilitator Guide
Lesson Duration: 45 Minutes
Target Audience: Grades 9-12
Curriculum Alignment
Ontario Mental Health Literacy Expectations:
A1.1: Explain how various factors affect mental health and wellbeing.A1.2: Demonstrate the ability to recognize signs of mental health concerns.A1.3: Demonstrate the ability to apply strategies to support others and seek help.A1.5: Identify ways to advocate for mental health and reduce stigma in the school and community.
Lesson Pacing
0-10 Min
Introduction & Continuum
Review learning goals. Introduce the Mental Health Continuum. Key message: Mental health is fluid; we all move along this line.
10-20 Min
Signs & L.E.N.S.
Discuss recognizing signs of struggle. Introduce the L.E.N.S. method for supportive communication.
20-35 Min
Case Study & Role Play
Students work on the Connection Toolkit . Analyze the Alex scenario and practice the L.E.N.S. role-play in pairs.
35-45 Min
Advocacy & Reflection
Students brainstorm advocacy ideas in the Voice for Change Journal and complete the reflection.
Instructional Strategies
Creating a Safe Space
Before starting, establish a "brave space." Remind students that they don't need to share personal stories if they aren't comfortable. Provide a "pass" option for discussion. Ensure they know the school counselor is available if the topic brings up strong emotions.
Facilitating the Role-Play
Encourage students to focus on the feeling of the conversation rather than a perfect script. Walk around the room and listen for "validators" (e.g., "That sounds hard"). Remind them that the goal is to be a bridge, not a therapist.
Differentiating Advocacy
Some students may prefer "quiet advocacy" (checking in on one friend), while others might be ready for "loud advocacy" (presenting to the principal). Validate both as essential to a healthy culture.
Key Discussion Points
Signs in Alex (Case Study): Withdrawal from activities, change in hygiene/appearance (same hoodie), silence in social situations, irritability/avoidance, brief/dismissive communication.
Common Pitfalls in Supporting Others: Trying to "fix" the problem immediately, offering toxic positivity ("Just be happy!"), or making the conversation about yourself. The L.E.N.S. method helps avoid these by prioritizing listening.
