Students will be able to identify common mental health challenges, recognize the importance of self-care, and discuss basic coping strategies in a supportive group setting.
Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, especially for undergraduate students navigating academic, social, and personal pressures. This lesson provides a safe space to acknowledge these challenges and equip students with foundational knowledge and practical strategies.
Greet students and welcome them to the session. - Begin with a brief, informal check-in question: “How are you feeling today, on a scale of 1-5, where 1 is struggling and 5 is thriving?” Encourage students to share a word or a brief phrase about why they chose their number, if they feel comfortable. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers. - Introduce the topic: “Today, we're going to talk about something really important for all of us: our mental health.”
Step 2
Introduction to Mental Health (10 minutes)
10 minutes
Display Slide 2: What is Mental Health? from the Mindful Moments: Understanding Mental Health Slides. - Facilitate a brief discussion using the Mindful Moments: Discussion Guide: What does 'mental health' mean to you? Why do you think it's important to talk about it, especially in college? - Transition to Slide 3: Common Challenges. Briefly discuss common challenges undergraduate students face (stress, anxiety, academic pressure, social adjustment). Validate their experiences. - Introduce Slide 4: Self-Care Strategies. Brainstorm with students simple, actionable self-care strategies they can use (e.g., getting enough sleep, healthy eating, exercise, connecting with friends, setting boundaries, mindfulness).
Step 3
Group Discussion: Sharing & Support (10 minutes)
10 minutes
Divide students into small groups (2-3 students). - Provide each group with a copy of the Mindful Moments: Discussion Guide. - Instruct groups to discuss the prompts on the guide, focusing on sharing one self-care strategy they already use or would like to try. - Circulate among groups to offer support and guidance. - Bring the groups back together for a brief whole-group share-out. Ask if anyone wants to share a strategy they discussed or a new idea they heard.
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Resources (5 minutes)
5 minutes
Distribute the My Mental Well-being Journal. Explain that this is a personal space for reflection and a tool for continuing their self-care journey. - Briefly highlight key takeaways: Mental health is important, challenges are common, and self-care is essential. Encourage them to use the journal. - Conclude with Slide 5: Resources & Support. Provide information on campus mental health services, crisis hotlines, or other relevant support systems. Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength. - Thank students for their participation.
Slide Deck
Your Mind Matters: Understanding Mental Health
Navigating college life and supporting your well-being.
Welcome students and set a positive, safe tone. Briefly introduce the topic of mental health and its importance for college students.
What Is Mental Health?
More than just the absence of mental illness.
Encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Impacts how we think, feel, and act.
Helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Initiate a discussion: What does mental health mean to you? Why is it important to discuss it openly?
Acknowledge that many students face these issues. Validate their experiences and normalize seeking support. Encourage brief sharing if students are comfortable.
Nurturing Your Well-being: Self-Care Strategies
Prioritize Sleep
Balanced Nutrition
Regular Physical Activity
Connect with Others
Practice Mindfulness/Relaxation
Set Boundaries
Engage in Hobbies
Brainstorm with students. Emphasize that self-care looks different for everyone and is about finding what works for them. Encourage simple, consistent habits.
Where to Find Support
Campus Counseling Services
Student Health Services
Crisis Hotlines (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741)
Trusted Friends, Family, or Mentors
Online Resources (e.g., The Jed Foundation, NAMI)
Provide specific, actionable resources. Reinforce that seeking help is a sign of strength and responsibility for one's well-being.
Discussion
Mindful Moments: Discussion Guide
This guide is for your small group discussion. Please work together to explore these prompts and share your thoughts respectfully.
Part 1: Reflect & Share
What does 'mental health' mean to you personally, and how do you think it impacts your daily life as an undergraduate student?
Share one common challenge related to mental health that you or your peers might face in college. How does this challenge typically manifest?
Part 2: Self-Care in Action
What is one self-care strategy you already use to support your mental well-being? Describe how it helps you.
What is one new self-care strategy you heard about today, or that a peer shared, that you might be interested in trying? Why does it appeal to you?
Journal
My Mental Well-being Journal
This journal is a space for you to reflect on your mental well-being and practice self-care. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest reflection.
Journal Entry 1: My Current State
How are you feeling mentally right now? Use a few words to describe your current emotional state.
What is one thing that has contributed positively to your mental well-being recently?
What is one challenge that has impacted your mental well-being recently?
Journal Entry 2: Self-Care Exploration
List 3 self-care strategies that you think could be helpful for you. These can be strategies we discussed or new ideas you have.
Choose one strategy from your list above. How will you try to incorporate this into your week? Be specific about when and how.
Why do you think it's important to make time for self-care, even when you're busy?
