Mind Matters Slides MIND MATTERS
Understanding Your Mental Health
Do Now: Mind Check
Reflection Question:
"If your brain was a weather report right now, what would the weather be? (Sunny, cloudy, stormy, foggy?)"
Write Down:
In your own words, what does "Mental Health" mean to you? Is it the same as being "crazy" or "unwell"?
What is Mental Health?
It's how we think, feel, and act.
It's a part of our overall health, just like physical health.
It's about handling stress.
How we relate to others and make choices every day.
It's not just "not being sick."
It's a spectrum that can change day to day.
"Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has physical health."
Red Flags: Warning Signs
When should we reach out for extra support? Look for these changes :
Body & Energy
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Changes in appetite
• Low energy or "numb"
• Unexplained aches
Feelings
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Constant worrying or fear
• Being unusually angry or upset
• Rapid mood swings
Social Habits
• Pulling away from friends
• Losing interest in hobbies
• Fighting with family
• Not wanting to do anything
Your Support Squad
Who are your "Trusted Adults"?
Family
Parents, guardians, older siblings, aunts/uncles
School Staff
Teachers, counselors, principal, nurse
Community
Coaches, club leaders, faith leaders
Hotlines
988 (Text/Call)
Scenario Squad
Your Mission:
In your groups, read the scenario on your worksheet. Work together to answer:
What warning signs do you see?
Who is a reliable person to talk to?
What exactly could you say to help?
Exit Ticket
Before you go, write down on your worksheet:
1. One thing you learned about mental health today.
2. One specific "Trusted Adult" you would feel comfortable talking to if you needed help.
Mind Matters Worksheet Mind Matters
Mental Health Awareness & Resources
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Do Now
1. Brain Weather Report:
2. What is "Mental Health"?
Part 2: Key Takeaways
Complete the definition:
Mental health is how we , , and . It's just as important as our health.
List 3 "Red Flags" or Warning Signs:
Body / Energy
Feelings
Social Habits
Part 3: Scenario Squad
Scenario #:
1. What warning signs (red flags) did you notice in the scenario?
2. Who is one "Trusted Adult" this person could talk to?
3. What is a specific script (what could you actually say) to ask for help?
Part 4: Exit Ticket
1. One thing I learned about mental health today:
2. My specific "Trusted Adult" is:
Scenario Squad Cards Scenario Squad
Activity Cards
#1
Alex's Changes
Alex is usually the first person at soccer practice and the last one to leave. For the past two weeks, Alex has been skipping practice and sitting alone at lunch. When his best friend asked if he wanted to play video games, Alex snapped at him and said, "Leave me alone, I don't care about that stuff anymore."
Task: Identify 2 warning signs and 1 trusted adult.
#2
Maya's Pressure
Maya is a straight-A student, but lately, she seems different. Her teacher noticed she has been crying in the bathroom before every math quiz. Maya told her friend that she hasn't been sleeping well because she "can't stop thinking about failing" and sometimes feels like she can't breathe when she's in class.
Task: Identify 2 warning signs and 1 trusted adult.
#3
Jordan's Energy
Jordan used to be the funniest kid in class. Recently, Jordan looks exhausted every day and has been wearing the same hoodie all week. When a group of friends invited Jordan to the movies, Jordan said, "Everything is just boring now. There's no point in even going."
Task: Identify 2 warning signs and 1 trusted adult.
#4
Sam's Stomach
Sam has been going to the school nurse almost every day this week complaining of a stomach ache. The nurse noticed Sam's stomach only hurts right before English class. Sam also constantly asks friends, "Are you mad at me?" even when everything is fine.
Task: Identify 2 warning signs and 1 trusted adult.
Mind Matters Teacher Guide Mind Matters
Facilitation Guide & Answer Key
Grade 6 Health
Lesson Overview
This lesson introduces 6th graders to the concept of mental health as a spectrum, helps them identify common warning signs (physical, emotional, and social), and empowers them to identify trusted adults for support.
Recommended Pacing
Do Now 5 min
Definition 10 min
Warning Signs 10 min
Scenarios 15 min
Exit Ticket 5 min
Teaching Tips & Discussion Prompts
1
Normalizing the Conversation
Emphasize that "Mental Health" isn't a bad word. Use the analogy of physical health—just like we have to exercise and eat well for our bodies, we have to look after our minds. Stress that 1 in 5 young people experience mental health challenges; it is normal and treatable.
2
Warning Signs (The "Change" Rule)
Teach students that everyone has a "bad day." A warning sign is usually a change that lasts for more than 2 weeks or is severe enough to interfere with daily life (school, sleep, friendships).
3
Handling Sensitivity
Some students may be experiencing these symptoms or have family members who are. Remind the class that this is a "safe space" and that personal names of classmates or friends should not be used during scenarios.
Scenario Answer Key
#1 Alex
Signs: Skipping practice, social isolation (lunch), mood change (snapping at friends), loss of interest in hobbies.
Resources: Coach, Parent, School Counselor.
#2 Maya
Signs: Anxiety/Crying before tests, insomnia (not sleeping), physical symptoms (can't breathe), excessive worry.
Resources: Math Teacher, School Nurse, Parent.
#3 Jordan
Signs: Exhaustion, hygiene changes (same clothes), loss of humor/personality, feeling that things are "pointless."
Resources: Homeroom Teacher, Relative, Youth Group Leader.
#4 Sam
Signs: Frequent stomach aches (physical), avoidance of class, insecurity/need for reassurance ("Are you mad at me?").
Resources: School Nurse, English Teacher, Counselor.
Important Resource for Students & Staff
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or Text Anytime
Mind Matters Slides Updated MIND MATTERS
Understanding Your Mental Health
Do Now: Mind Check
Reflection Question:
"If your brain was a weather report right now, what would the weather be? (Sunny, cloudy, stormy, foggy?)"
Write Down:
In your own words, what does "Mental Health" mean to you? Is it the same as being "crazy" or "unwell"?
What is Mental Health?
It's how we think, feel, and act.
It's a part of our overall health, just like physical health.
It's about handling stress.
How we relate to others and make choices every day.
It's not just "not being sick."
It's a spectrum that can change day to day.
"Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has physical health."
Red Flags: Warning Signs
When should we reach out for extra support? Look for these changes :
Body & Energy
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Changes in appetite
• Low energy or "numb"
• Unexplained aches
Feelings
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Constant worrying or fear
• Being unusually angry or upset
• Rapid mood swings
Social Habits
• Pulling away from friends
• Losing interest in hobbies
• Fighting with family
• Not wanting to do anything
Your Support Squad
Who are your "Trusted Adults"?
Family
Parents, guardians, older siblings, aunts/uncles
School Staff
Teachers, counselors, principal, nurse
Community
Coaches, club leaders, faith leaders
Hotlines
988 (Text/Call)
Scenario Squad
Your Mission:
In your groups, read the scenario on your activity card . Work together to answer:
What warning signs do you see?
Who is a reliable person to talk to?
What exactly could you say to help?
Exit Ticket
Before you go, write down on your worksheet:
1. One thing you learned about mental health today.
2. One specific "Trusted Adult" you would feel comfortable talking to if you needed help.
