October Week 2 Activity
Awareness on Mental Health
Type of Activity – In-Classroom Activity, Group Activity
Introduction
Mental Health refers to cognitive, behavioural, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term ‘Mental Health’ to mean the absence of a mental disorder.
We keep hearing about Mental Health all the time, but the concept seems so foreign to many of us. Some people around us refuse to believe that Mental Health is real and they even say that people are faking it to get away from issues. All that we hear, then, is “Do this and do that. It’s just stress… it will go away.”
India is still living in denial. This can only change if people are aware and educated on Mental Health.
Do You Know?
According to the World Health Organization, untreated mental health issues in children and adolescents severely influence their development, educational attainments and potential to lead productive lives.
This week, let us check our ACTIZENS’ knowledge and opinion about Mental Health issues with a simple discussion activity.
Expected Outcomes –
Students will:
- Learn and analyse the state of Mental Health, and be able to recognise that it is real and needs to be discussed.
- Understand that Mental Health can affect daily living, relationships, and physical health.
- Discuss mental health issues in an open forum, and feel empowered to act for someone in need.
Steps for the Activity –
- Display the below statement chart in the classroom and divide students in groups of 2-3 students.
- Give them 2-3 statements per group and ask them to discuss the following –
- What do they think about the same? Is it mentally healthy behaviour or not?
- Have they come across such situations themselves or seen anyone displaying those behaviours in their life?
- Do they think it is a mental health problem and that it needs to be discussed with someone?
- How can they help the person facing that issue/problem?
- Give them some time to think and discuss amongst the group.
- Ask each group to present their findings in the classroom.
- Record the video of their presentation and share it with us.
Situational Analysis Sheet
| Statement | Is this an Issue? Yes/No | Why or Why Not? |
| 1. Someone feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks | ||
| 2. Frequent Mood Swings in a day | ||
| 3. Not using respectful language while talking to anyone | ||
| 4. Not eating properly/ skipping meals | ||
| 5. Happy to be alone and not talking with anyone for several days suddenly | ||
| 6. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities | ||
| 7. Drastic changes in someone’s behaviour or personality | ||
| 8. Frequent arguments and fights with neighbours/family members | ||
| 9. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing | ||
| 10. Feeling withdrawal after surfing something on social media | ||
| 11. Completely opposite personality traits with different groups | ||
| 12. Taking stress during exams and forgetting everything prepared | ||
| 13. Over-Eating at the time of stress or anxiety | ||
| 14. Seriously trying to harm oneself, or making plans to do | ||
| 15. Lack of concentration during any task |
Questions for the Post-Exercise Debrief by the Teacher –
- Do you think Mental Health should also be discussed and treated?
- Do Physical Health and Mental Health both have an impact on learning outcomes and achievements of children?
- What are the ways to treat the mild symptoms of such behaviours?
Responses