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Understanding Mental Health

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Understanding Mental Health

Read the short scenario, then answer the questions. You do not need to share personal experiences. Mental health is different for everyone, and this worksheet is not a diagnosis. If a topic feels uncomfortable, speak with a trusted adult or school wellbeing staff member.

A scenario: Chloe’s busy fortnight

Chloe has several assessment deadlines and has been sleeping less than usual. They have stopped going to weekend basketball and have been replying less to friends. Chloe tells a cousin, “I’ve felt flat for a couple of weeks, and I’m finding it hard to focus.” The cousin listens without judgement, asks what support might help, and suggests talking with a trusted adult or GP. Chloe agrees to speak with a school wellbeing staff member. This scenario shows possible signs of distress, but only a qualified health professional can assess someone’s mental health.

Notice, understand and respond

Use the scenario and your own reasoning. There may be more than one helpful way to support someone.

1.Which statement best explains mental health?

It is only about whether someone has a diagnosed condition.
It includes emotional, psychological and social wellbeing, and can change over time.
It is fixed at birth and cannot be influenced.
It is separate from physical health and daily life.

2.Identify two changes in Chloe’s behaviour or feelings that could suggest they are having a difficult time.

3.True or false: One sign on its own is enough to diagnose a mental health condition.

TrueFalse

4.Complete the sentence: A person’s mental health may be influenced by their relationships, life events, physical health and .

5.The cousin listens and asks Chloe what support might help. Explain why this is more useful than saying, “You’re just being dramatic.”

6.Match each supportive action with its purpose.

Listen without interrupting
Ask what kind of help they want
Offer to go with them to speak to an adult
Promise to keep an immediate safety risk secret

Respects their preferences and gives them a say
Shows respect and helps the person feel heard
Can make taking the next step feel easier
Not a safe promise; involve a trusted adult or emergency support

7.Which is the most respectful way to talk about a person experiencing mental health challenges?

“They are a mental case.”
“They are struggling at the moment and may need support.”
“They are weak because they cannot cope.”
“They are dangerous.”

8.Chloe is unsure who to talk to next. Name two suitable sources of support in Australia.

9.Chloe’s cousin is worried that Chloe may be in immediate danger. What should the cousin do?

10.Suggest one realistic action a group of friends could take to make it easier for someone to seek support, and explain how it could help.

Support in Australia

For urgent danger, call 000. Kids Helpline offers support for young people by phone on 1800 55 1800. headspace provides mental health support for young people. A GP or school wellbeing staff member can help work out next steps. If you are supporting a friend, involve a trusted adult when safety is a concern.