Empathy and Mental Health: Supporting Each Other

Shannon Janovitz

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Empathy and Mental Health: Supporting Each Other

Explore empathy and mental health

In this lesson, students will explore the connection between empathy and mental health through engaging activities. They will learn how empathy can support peers facing mental health challenges and develop skills to foster a supportive environment. This lesson is important as it encourages students to understand and empathize with others, promoting a positive and inclusive school culture.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

1 hour 30 mins

Approach

Explore empathy and mental health

Materials

Discussion Questions, Empathy Scenarios Worksheet, Reflection Quiz, and Pens and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means.
Ask students to share examples of when they have shown empathy or received empathy from others.

Step 2

Empathy and Mental Health Discussion

20 mins

Use the provided discussion questions to guide a conversation about the connection between empathy and mental health.
Encourage students to think about how empathy can help support peers facing mental health challenges.

Step 3

Empathy Scenarios Activity

30 mins

Distribute the Empathy Scenarios Worksheet.
Have students work in pairs to discuss and write down how they would respond empathetically to each scenario.
Afterward, ask pairs to share their responses with the class.

Step 4

Reflection and Sharing

20 mins

Ask students to reflect on what they learned about empathy and mental health.
Encourage them to share any personal insights or changes in perspective.

Step 5

Closure and Quiz

10 mins

Conclude with a short quiz to assess understanding of the lesson's key points.
Collect the quizzes and provide feedback in the next class.

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Discussion

Empathy and Mental Health Discussion

A guided discussion to explore the connection between empathy and mental health.

How can empathy support someone facing mental health challenges?

Encourage students to think about listening, understanding, and offering support.

Why is it important to show empathy in our daily interactions?

Discuss the impact of empathy on relationships and community.

Worksheet

Empathy Scenarios Worksheet

A worksheet with scenarios to help students practice empathetic responses.

Scenario 1: Your friend seems withdrawn and hasn't been participating in class. How would you approach them?

Scenario 2: A classmate is visibly upset after receiving a poor grade. What empathetic response could you offer?

Quiz

Empathy and Mental Health Reflection Quiz