Barriers Breakdown Slides Breaking Down Barriers
Navigating Mental Health Support Systems
The Silent Struggle
"I know something is wrong, but I just can't say it. What if they think I'm overreacting? What if they tell everyone?"
Class Poll Check-in:
If you were struggling with your mental health, what is the #1 reason you wouldn't tell anyone?
Fear of Judgment
Privacy Concerns
Don't Know Who
What is a Barrier?
Internal
Thoughts and feelings within yourself.
Shame or Stigma
Fear of Burdening Others
Minimizing ("It's not that bad")
Distrust of Adults
External
Circumstances in the world around you.
Cost of Treatment
Lack of Transportation
Limited Support Near Home
Lack of Privacy (shared rooms)
Investigation Time
Case Study: Leo
Leo is experiencing severe anxiety before tests. He wants to talk to someone, but his family doesn't have a car, and he's heard his parents say "people who go to therapy are weak."
Identify:
1. One Internal Barrier?
2. One External Barrier?
Why it matters?
Barriers don't mean help isn't there; they just make the path harder to find. We name them so we can break them.
Today's Goal
Identify the barriers in our own community and brainstorm how to dismantle them together.
The Sledgehammer Strategies
Normalize Talk
Reducing stigma by talking about mental health openly as a part of overall health.
School Resources
Using in-school support (Counselors, Social Workers) to bypass transport issues.
Tele-health & Lines
Using crisis texts or video calls for privacy and cost-effective support.
Next Step: Complete your Barriers Investigation Worksheet.
Barriers Investigation Worksheet Barriers Investigation
Lesson 1: Mental Health Support Systems
Name:
Date:
1
Class Insight Poll
Based on our class poll results, record the top three barriers identified by your peers:
2
Internal vs. External Barriers
Think about your own community. List two examples for each category below:
Internal (Thoughts/Feelings)
External (Logistics/Environment)
3
Case Study: Maya's Dilemma
Maya has been feeling extremely overwhelmed lately. She can't sleep and her grades are slipping. She wants to talk to the school counselor, but her best friend said, "Counselors just call your parents and make things worse," and Maya is terrified of her parents finding out she's "not perfect." Additionally, Maya lives 30 minutes away and takes the bus, making it hard to stay after school for appointments.
Identify the internal barrier Maya is facing:
Identify the external barrier Maya is facing:
4
The Dismantling Plan
Choose one barrier from above and propose a specific strategy to "dismantle" or overcome it.
Barrier: e.g., Stigma, Lack of Transport
Dismantling Strategy:
Barriers Discussion Guide Barriers Discussion Guide
Teacher Resource • Lesson 1
45-60 Minutes
Instructional Goal
The primary objective is to move help-seeking from an abstract concept to a manageable process by naming the specific obstacles students face. By categorizing these as "Internal" or "External," students learn that seeking help isn't just about "being brave"—it's about problem-solving.
1. The Hook (Anonymous Poll)
10 MIN
Teacher Script/Prompt:
"Before we dive into support systems, we need to be honest about why it’s so hard to use them. Take out your devices for an anonymous poll. Nobody—not even me—will know who said what."
Discussion Questions:
"Looking at the screen, what is the most common reason our class wouldn't seek help?"
"Does it surprise you that [Top Barrier] is the biggest one? Why or why not?"
2. Defining Barriers
15 MIN
Internal (The "Heart/Mind")
Focus on psychological obstacles. Stigma is key here.
Guiding Q: "What is a voice in your head that might stop you from telling an adult?"
External (The "World")
Focus on systemic/logistical obstacles.
Guiding Q: "If someone decided they wanted help right now, what physically stands in their way?"
3. Dismantling Strategies
20 MIN
When students are brainstorming for Part 4 of the worksheet, use these "Sledgehammer" prompts to spark ideas:
Barrier Type Suggested Strategy Stigma / Shame "Normalizing Talk." Compare mental health to physical health (e.g., a broken leg vs. a broken spirit). Lack of Transport "School-Based Support." Remind students that counselors are available during school hours, requiring no extra travel. Cost / Insurance "Public Resources." Mention that school counselors and non-profit crisis lines are free. Fear of Privacy Loss "Understanding Mandated Reporting." Clarify exactly what counselors must share vs. what stays private.
Closing & Wrap-Up
Exit Ticket Question: "What is one barrier you feel more confident about overcoming after today?"
Safety Note:
This lesson may trigger disclosures. Ensure you have the contact info for the school counselor and local crisis team ready before starting.
Support Network Slides Mapping Your Safety Net
Identifying and Verifying Local & National Support
Immediate vs. Long-Term
Crisis Support
"I need help right now."
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
TEXT 741741 Crisis Text Line
Available 24/7/365
Long-Term Support
"I want to work on this over time."
School Counselors
Therapists or Psychologists
Community Health Centers
Vetting Online Resources
Don't trust everything you see on TikTok or Instagram. Use the C.R.A.P. Test:
C
Currency
Is the information recent? Resources change!
R
Reliability
Is there evidence? Who is the author?
A
Authority
Is it a .gov, .edu, or .org site?
P
Purpose
Are they trying to sell you something or help you?
Scavenger Hunt Challenge
Scenario: "I need to talk to someone tonight, and I don't want to use my voice."
You have 2 minutes to find a valid text-based resource on your worksheet.
Find the Name
Find the Number/Code
Verify with C.R.A.P.
Safety Net Map Worksheet Personal Safety Net Map
Mental Health Support Navigator
NAME:
DATE:
A safety net is strongest when it has many layers. Fill in each circle with specific people or resources you can turn to for help.
ME
Level 1: Trusted Adults
Adult 1
Adult 2
Level 2: School & Community
Counselor
Teacher/Coach
Social Worker
Other Adult
Level 3: Professional Crisis Resources
988 Lifeline
Call or Text 988
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386
Verify & Add Your Own:
How do I know a resource is safe?
Currency
Reliability
Authority
Purpose
Resource Scavenger Hunt Worksheet Resource Scavenger Hunt
Verify and Map Your Support
NAME: ____________________
DATE: ____________________
How to Hunt:
For each scenario below, use your device to find a specific, verified resource . For each one, you must provide the Name , the Contact Info (Phone, Text, or Website), and perform a quick C.R.A.P. check .
Scenario 1: Crisis Text Support
FAST SEARCH
"It's 11:00 PM on a Tuesday. I am feeling incredibly overwhelmed and I don't want to talk out loud because my family is in the next room. I need a crisis text line."
RESOURCE NAME:
CONTACT CODE / INFO:
Verification (Circle One)
Reliable? YESNO
Authoritative? (.gov/.org) YESNO
Current? YESNO
Scenario 2: Long-Term School Support
LOCAL SEARCH
"I've been feeling low for a few weeks. I want to talk to a professional during the school day so I don't have to worry about transportation or my parents knowing yet."
SCHOOL RESOURCE NAME (e.g. Counselor):
OFFICE LOCATION / EMAIL:
Verification (Circle One)
Reliable? YESNO
Authoritative? (.gov/.org) YESNO
Current? YESNO
Scenario 3: Specific Identity Support
TARGETED SEARCH
"Find a resource specifically for LGBTQ+ youth or a specific minority group in our community who may be facing mental health challenges."
RESOURCE NAME:
CONTACT INFO:
Verification (Circle One)
Reliable? YESNO
Authoritative? (.gov/.org) YESNO
Current? YESNO
Speaking Up Slides Finding the Words
Developing Communication Scripts for Disclosure
The Hardest Sentence
The first 10 seconds of a conversation about mental health are the hardest.
"I don't know how to start."
Scripts are your armor. They protect you when you're feeling vulnerable.
The "I-Statement" Formula
I FEEL... + WHEN... + I NEED...
I FEEL...
"Overwhelmed"
WHEN...
"I think about school lately"
I NEED...
"To talk to someone about it."
Why this works:
It focuses on your experience and your needs, rather than blaming others or being vague.
The Openers
"The Direct Approach"
Best for counselors or teachers who are expecting to help.
"I've been going through some stuff and I was hoping we could find a time to talk."
"The Soft Entry"
Best for parents or adults you see often.
"I haven't been feeling like myself lately. Can I talk to you about what's on my mind?"
Practice Time: Grab your Scripting Worksheet!
Scripting Support Worksheet Scripting Support
Lesson 3: Verbal Communication Skills
NAME: ____________________
DATE: ____________________
Part 1: The Opener
Choose two people from your "Safety Net Map" (Lesson 2). Draft a specific "opener" sentence you could use to start a conversation with them.
Person 1 (e.g. Teacher, Parent, Coach):
MY OPENER SCRIPT:
Person 2 (e.g. Counselor, Relative):
MY OPENER SCRIPT:
Part 2: The "I-Statement" Formula
I feel ________ when ________ because ________. I need ________.
Scenario: You have been feeling extremely stressed about your grades, and it's making you not want to come to school.
Draft a full I-statement for this scenario:
I FEEL:
WHEN:
BECAUSE:
I NEED:
Part 3: The Confidence Scale
On a scale of 1-10 (1 = terrified, 10 = totally confident), how do you feel about using one of these scripts today?
1
10
One thing that would make me more confident is:
Friend Support Slides Supporting Your Circle
The ACT Model for Peer Intervention
Friend vs. Professional
Your Role
Be a listener
Show you care
Connect them to help
NOT Your Role
Be their therapist
Solve the problem
Keep dangerous secrets
"The best way to be a friend is to know when you need back-up."
The ACT Model
A
Acknowledge
Listen and take them seriously. Don't minimize their feelings.
"I'm sorry you're going through this."
C
Care
Show empathy. Let them know you're there for them.
"I care about you and I want to help."
T
Tell
Tell a trusted adult. Do not handle it alone.
"Let's go talk to the counselor together."
The Text Chain
Leo:
"I don't know man, everything just feels pointless today. I don't think I'm coming to school tomorrow. Or ever."
How do you reply using ACT?
Remember:
Safety is the priority. If a friend mentions harm, "Tell" happens immediately. No secrets in safety.
Open your ACT Action Plan worksheet to draft your response.
ACT Action Plan Worksheet ACT Action Plan
Lesson 4: Peer Support & Boundaries
NAME: ____________________
DATE: ____________________
1
Responding to a Friend
Jordan
I'm just so done with everything. I feel like everyone would be happier if I wasn't even here anymore.
Draft your reply using the ACT model:
ACKNOWLEDGE & CARE (What you'll say to Jordan):
TELL (Who will you tell and what will you say?):
2
The Boundary Check
Supporting a friend can be draining. Read each scenario and decide if it is a FRIEND ROLE or a PROFESSIONAL ROLE.
Situation Friend Professional Giving a friend a ride to school when they feel low.
|
| Explaining clinical symptoms of depression. |
|
|
| Listening to a friend talk about a breakup. |
|
|
| Providing medical or psychological advice. |
|
|
3
Your "Back-Up" Team
When a friend needs more help than you can give, who are three adults at this school you would trust to tell?
Adult 1
Adult 2
Adult 3
Simulation Briefing Slides Support Simulation
Navigating the Path to Well-Being
Your Mission
You will be assigned a Character Scenario. Your goal is to navigate them through 4 critical stations:
1
Barrier Bridge
Overcome an internal or external obstacle.
2
Resource Hub
Find the right verified support.
3
The Script Workshop
Draft the perfect conversation starter.
4
Disclosure Point
Practice the interaction with a "Trusted Adult".
Rules of Engagement
Work in Pairs (optional)
Log every step in your logbook.
Stay in character!
Success Criteria
The character must reach a "Stable Connection" where a professional resource is notified and a support plan is started.
Mission Debrief
"If this were real, what part of the path would be the most difficult for you to navigate?"
Confidence Check
Are you more likely to seek help now than you were on Monday?
Final Thought
Help-seeking is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of survival.
Simulation Logbook Worksheet Simulation Logbook
Lesson 5: Navigation Mastery
TEAM/NAME: ____________________
DATE: ____________________
Assigned Character Identity
Character Name:
The Struggle:
1
Station 1: Barrier Bridge
IDENTIFIED BARRIER:
DISMANTLING STRATEGY:
2
Station 2: Resource Hub
VERIFIED RESOURCE FOR CHARACTER:
Reliable
Authority
Current
3
Station 3: The Script Workshop
Draft character's I-statement
I FEEL:
WHEN:
NEED:
4
Station 4: Disclosure Check-Out
Instructor/Teacher Initials upon successful script practice:
Sign Off
