Kristina Haugh
School Counseling Outreach Project
Student Mental Health
Helping to change stereotypes and attitudes towards
Mental Health in the high school setting
Guidance Department, Massachusetts
Target Audience: High School- all grade levels
Time needed to complete program: 45 minutes
Kristina Haugh
School Counseling Outreach Project
Background Description:
With mental health disorders on the rise, it is important as educators that we help our
students stay current and informed of all the information available. According to the U.S. Surgeon
General, at least 10% of children and adolescent struggle with a mental illness, and that can impair
their ability to function in their day to day life with peers, academics, and family. Most mental
illnesses strike during late adolescence, in a time where there is much change and stress in students’
lives. Many of our own students are living with a mental illness, or living with a family member
who has been diagnosed with a mental illness. They may be questioning if their current emotional
state is just typical “teenage mood swings” or if it is something more that needs to be addressed
by a medical professional. Students may be confused, feel frustrated, or think that they are alone
in this struggle. They also may also face stigmatize or ridicule by their peers. When Students are
unable to get the proper help and support for their mental health issues, it can be a significant
barrier to student academic, personal-social and career development; and even compromise school
safety (ASCA.org).
Moving forward, it is critical as school counselors, to make this valuable information
available to the students because often time’s mental health is overlooked in the typical student
curriculum. By providing education about mental health to students and families, we are able to
practice prevention and advocate for our students. Hopefully, this education plan focusing on
mental health and well-being will help students succeed not only academically, but on a holistic
level focusing on the student as a whole person. Also school counselors can break down barriers
with stigmas towards mental health that may be negatively affecting the schools atmosphere.
Kristina Haugh
School Counseling Outreach Project
Materials Needed:
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Computer
Power point Program accessibility
Projector Screen
Power point slides on Student Mental Health (See appendices)
Evaluation tool (See appendices)
Pens
Access to the internet
You tube Video- “Teenage mental health - Darkness Visible - First Light”
Paper Bag
Mental Health Flashcards with Definitions
Informational Handout
Introduction (10 minutes):
As an ice breaker for the class, an interactive activity will be used to spark interest on the topic
and create a positive community learning environment. Because the students may not be familiar
with various mental health terms, this will be a good opportunity to expose them to the topic. The
school counselor will fill a paper bag with the “mental health flashcards.” Each one of these cards
has a term related to mental health, and the definition written on the back. Every student will reach
into the bag and receive a flash card. Next each student will take turns reading their term out loud,
followed by the definition. The terms also emphasize a basic understanding of all areas of mental
health, not just illness.
Working Section (22 minutes):
1. The students will be shown the power point presentation on Student Mental Health.
Goals of intervention: To give students a general introduction and working knowledge of
the subject matter. It will also reinforce the concept that there is help and support available
for those currently struggling with a mental illness, and that they are not alone. (10
minutes).
Kristina Haugh
School Counseling Outreach Project
2. Students will watch the video “Teenage mental health - Darkness Visible - First Light”
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TASDuzP6vW4
Goals of intervention: This video will give the students an inside look at what it’s like to
be living with a mental health issue. It also reinforces the concept of breaking down barriers
and stigma surrounded with mental health illness. (12 minutes)
Closing Section (13 minutes):
1) Part one of the closing section will include a time where students are able to ask
any clarifying questions involving the material. (5 minutes)
2) The school counselor will administer the evaluation handout, and students are to
complete the evaluation during this time. (5 minutes)
3) Because of the sensitive nature of the topic, the Informational Handout will be
given to all the students before ending the class. The school counselor will explain
that the handout includes additional resources for students who want to learn more
about mental health. It will also include local community resources to turn to during
a time of crisis, or if they feel they need to seek help for a mental illness. (3
minutes).
Appendices:
Power Point Presentation- See attached
Index Card Sheet- See attached
Evaluation Tool- See attached
Kristina Haugh
School Counseling Outreach Project
ASCA position statement on Student Mental Health: Students’ unmet mental health needs
can be a significant barrier to student academic, personal-social and career development; and
even compromise school safety. Professional school counselors do not provide long-term therapy
in schools to address psychological disorders; however, they must be prepared to recognize and
respond to student mental health crisis and needs, and to address these barriers related to student
success by offering education, prevention, and crisis and short term intervention, until the student
is connected with the appropriate community resources.
References:
http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=about_mental_illness
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/pages/Mental-Health-and-TeensWatch-for-Danger-Signs.aspx
http://teenmentalhealth.org/
http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/mental-health/states/ma.html
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/teenmentalhealth.html
http://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/PositionStatements/PS_StudentMentalHealth.p
df
http://quizlet.com/1026831/new
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CEU
QkA4oADAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwordnetweb.princeton.edu%2Fperl%2Fwebwn%3Fs%3D
mental%2520health&ei=LJNrUvWRIbPH4APm9IAI&usg=AFQjCNEkanfg1swTiUvASKr4e3_
LbLbyOw&bvm=bv.55123115,d.dmg