Mental Health Text Analysis

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Identifying Persuasive Techniques

1. Which of these is an example of emotive language in mental health texts?

"Mental health statistics show..."

"You are not alone in this struggle"

"Research indicates that..."

"The survey results demonstrate..."

2. What persuasive techniques might be used in mental health awareness campaigns? (Select all that apply)

Personal stories and testimonials

Rhetorical questions

Repetition of key messages

Statistical evidence

Emotive imagery

3. How might bright, hopeful colours in a mental health poster influence the audience?

Create feelings of optimism and recovery

Make the audience feel sad

Provide factual information

Show medical statistics

4. Complete this sentence: "The phrase 'It's okay to not be okay' uses _____________ to make people feel _____________."

The phrase 'It's okay to not be okay' uses _________________ to make people feel _________________.

✏️ Part 2: Text Analysis

5. Read this excerpt from a mental health campaign: "Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide. But behind every statistic is a story. Your story matters. You matter."

a) What persuasive technique combines statistics with personal appeal?

b) How does this text try to influence the reader's perspective on mental health?

6. Imagine you see a mental health poster with the image of a person reaching out their hand toward the viewer. Explain how this imagery might shape public opinion about seeking help for mental health.

7. Why might mental health awareness campaigns use real people's stories rather than just medical facts? Give two reasons.

Reason 1: ___________________________________________________________

Reason 2: ___________________________________________________________

🎯 Part 3: Critical Evaluation

8. Compare these two approaches to mental health awareness:

Text A: "Depression affects 1 in 4 Australians. Seek professional help."

Text B: "You're stronger than you think. Every step forward counts. Reach out - we're here to listen."

Which text do you think would be more effective in encouraging someone to seek help? Explain your choice using evidence from the texts.

9. Extension Task: Design a brief mental health message that uses at least two persuasive techniques. Write your message and identify the techniques you used.

Your message:

Persuasive techniques used: ________________________________________