Script: Your Voice Matters

Warm-Up: Start the Conversation (5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone. Before we dive into today's important topic, let's take a moment to reflect. I want you to think about this question: 'What does mental wellness mean to you, and how do you usually talk about it?' You can jot down a few thoughts on your handout, or just think about it quietly. We'll share some ideas in a moment.


"Alright, who would like to share their thoughts? Remember, there's no right or wrong answer here. We're just getting our brains warmed up to talk about something really important. Thank you for sharing. It's clear that mental wellness is a personal journey, and how we discuss it can vary."

Introduction & Setting the Stage (5 minutes)

"Today, we're going to talk about something that can be difficult, but it's incredibly important for our community and for each of us: suicide prevention. This is a sensitive topic, and my goal today isn't to scare you, but to empower you with information and resources. We're going to learn about how to support our own mental health, recognize when a friend might be struggling, and know where to go for help. Please know that this classroom is a safe space, and if at any point you feel overwhelmed or need to talk, I am here, and our school counselors are here to support you. You are not alone, and your feelings are valid."

"In our rural community, we often rely on each other. It's a strength, but it also means we need to be equipped to help each other when times get tough. This lesson is about building that strength within our community."

Understanding Warning Signs & How to Help (10 minutes)

"Let's move to our first slide, 'What is Mental Wellness?' (Display Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 2) As you can see, mental wellness isn't just about not feeling sad. It's about our overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, how we feel, and how we act. Just like we take care of our bodies with exercise and good food, we need to take care of our minds. What are some things you do to take care of your mental health?" (Allow for brief student responses and affirm them.)

"Now, sometimes, people struggle more than others. When someone is experiencing intense emotional pain, they might feel hopeless, like there's no way out. This can sometimes lead to thoughts of suicide. (Display Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 3) Suicide is when someone ends their own life. It's often linked to severe emotional pain and mental health struggles, and it is preventable. This is why knowing the warning signs is so important."

"(Display Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 4) Take a look at these warning signs. These are changes you might notice in a person's behavior, mood, or what they say. It's important to remember that these are changes. If a friend suddenly starts withdrawing, talking about feeling hopeless, or giving away things that are important to them, these could be red flags. It doesn't always mean suicide, but it always means something is wrong and help is needed."

"So, what can you do if you notice these signs in a friend, or even in yourself? (Display Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 5) We can remember ACT: Acknowledge, Care, Tell. This is a simple but powerful framework. Acknowledge what you see and hear. Take it seriously. Care by letting them know you're there for them and you're listening without judgment. And most importantly, Tell a trusted adult immediately. You are not expected to fix everything, but you are expected to tell someone who can help."

"(Display Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 6) Who are these trusted adults? They can be parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, school counselors, or other family or community members. In a rural community, this might also include a pastor, a local law enforcement officer you trust, or a community elder. The key is to find someone responsible and capable of getting the person help. Your job is to tell, not to fix."

Discussion: What Would You Do? (5 minutes)

"To help us think through these situations, let's do a quick discussion. (Transition to Discussion: What Would You Do? - you can project the scenarios or hand them out). I'll give you a scenario, and I want you to think about how you would ACT. Remember, there's no single perfect answer, but the goal is always to get help. Let's discuss a few of these situations."

"(Facilitate discussion based on the scenarios provided in the discussion material. Gently guide students to focus on the 'Tell' aspect and identifying trusted adults/resources.) Thank you for your thoughtful responses. It's great to see you thinking critically about how to support your friends and yourselves."

Resources & Cool-Down (5 minutes)

"(Display Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 7) Finally, let's talk about where to get help right now. On this slide, and on the handout I'm passing out, you'll see some incredible resources. The Crisis Text Line and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available 24/7, and they are completely confidential. You can call or text them anytime, from anywhere. We also have amazing support here at school, with our counselors and nurses. And if you know of local mental health services, please share them with trusted adults so we can all be aware."

"(Display Your Voice Matters Slide Deck - Slide 8) Remember, you are never alone. Your voice matters. Every conversation about mental health helps break the stigma, especially in our close-knit community. Don't be afraid to reach out or speak up. It takes courage, but it can save a life."

"To wrap up today, let's do a quick cool-down activity. (Transition to Cool Down: One Step Forward - project or handout.) Think about one small step you can take today to support mental wellness, either for yourself or in our community. Write it down, or just keep it in your mind. It could be checking in with a friend, learning more about mental health, or even just being kinder to yourself. (Allow a minute for reflection.) Thank you all for your engagement and maturity today. Please remember what we discussed, and if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out."

Warm Up: Start the Conversation

Instructions: Take a few moments to think about the following question. You can jot down your thoughts or just reflect quietly.

What does mental wellness mean to you, and how do you usually talk about it (or not talk about it) in your daily life?

Discussion: What Would You Do?

Instructions: Read each scenario and think about how you would apply the ACT framework (Acknowledge, Care, Tell). Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.

Scenario 1

Your friend, who usually loves playing sports and spending time outdoors, has suddenly started skipping practice and staying home. When you try to talk to them, they say they're just tired and don't feel like doing anything anymore. They've also been posting really sad song lyrics on social media.

• Acknowledge: What warning signs are you noticing?
  
  
  
• Care: How would you show them you care and listen?
  
  
  
• Tell: Who is a trusted adult you would tell, and why?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2

You overhear a classmate, who lives a few farms over, making comments like, "Sometimes I just feel like giving up" and "No one would even notice if I was gone." They seem isolated and have mentioned feeling overwhelmed by family responsibilities.

• Acknowledge: What warning signs are you noticing?
  
  
  
• Care: How would you approach them to show you care and listen?
  
  
  
• Tell: Who is a trusted adult you would tell, and why? Consider the unique aspects of a rural community in your answer.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3

Lately, you've been feeling really down. You've lost interest in things you used to enjoy, you're having trouble sleeping, and it feels like a heavy cloud is following you everywhere. You're starting to think about ways to make the feelings stop.

• Acknowledge: What feelings or thoughts are you having that are concerning?
  
  
  
• Care: How would you show yourself care in this situation?
  
  
  
• Tell: Who is a trusted adult or resource you would reach out to for help, and why? How would you make that first step?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Cool Down: One Step Forward

Instructions: Take a moment to reflect on today's lesson. What is one concrete step you can take today, this week, or in the future to support mental wellness for yourself or someone in our community?

Resource Handout: Local & National Help

Immediate Help

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime, 24/7. Connect with a trained crisis counselor.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US, anytime, about any type of crisis.
• Emergency Services: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

School Resources

• School Counselor: [Insert School Counselor Name/Contact Info Here]
  • Available during school hours for support, guidance, and referrals.
• School Nurse: [Insert School Nurse Name/Contact Info Here]
  • Can provide health-related support and connect you with resources.
• Trusted Teachers/Staff: Don't hesitate to speak to any teacher, coach, or staff member you trust.

Local Community Resources

• [Insert Local Mental Health Clinic Name/Contact Info Here]:
  • Example: "Rural Wellness Center - 123 Main St, Anytown, USA - (555) 123-4567"
• [Insert Local Doctor's Office Name/Contact Info Here]:
  • Your family doctor can be a good first step to discuss mental health concerns and get referrals.
• Trusted Community Leaders: Sometimes, a local pastor, community elder, or respected leader can offer support or help connect you to resources.

Online & Other Resources

• The Jed Foundation: (www.jedfoundation.org) Provides resources for teens and young adults on mental health and suicide prevention.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): (www.nami.org) Offers support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.