HealthFreePrintable

Youth Mental Health Overview

A free health worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.

Download now

Name:Date:

Youth Mental Health Overview

Read the scenario and use the ideas in this worksheet to explore mental health, hauora, resilience and help-seeking. Mental health experiences differ between people; there is no single right way to feel. You may answer the reflection questions using a fictional example instead of sharing anything personal.

Scenario: Maia’s week

Maia is 17 and has been feeling anxious about assessments. She is sleeping less, has stopped going to kapa haka, and has been turning down invitations from friends. Her cousin notices and asks how she is doing. Maia says, “I don’t really know where to start.” Her cousin listens without judging, asks what would feel helpful, and offers to go with her to talk to a trusted adult. Maia decides to contact her school counsellor and also plans a short walk with her auntie.

Hauora and mental health

In Te Whare Tapa Whā, hauora is represented as a whare supported by four connected sides: taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing), taha whānau (social wellbeing), and taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing, including meaning and connection). Whenua (the land and place we belong to) forms the foundation. A change in one area can affect the others. Mental health is more than the absence of illness: it includes how we think, feel, relate to others and respond to life.

1.Which statement best describes mental health?

It means feeling happy and confident all the time.
It includes emotional, psychological and social wellbeing, and can change over time.
It is only relevant when someone has a diagnosed illness.
It is separate from physical health and relationships.

2.Identify two changes in Maia’s behaviour or routine that could suggest she is under strain. Explain why noticing changes can be useful without assuming a diagnosis.

3.Match each part of Te Whare Tapa Whā with the description that fits best.

Taha tinana
Taha hinengaro
Taha whānau
Taha wairua
Whenua

Foundation: land, place and belonging
Spiritual wellbeing, meaning and connection
Social wellbeing and relationships
Physical wellbeing
Mental and emotional wellbeing

4.Maia’s cousin listens, avoids judgement and offers practical support. Give one reason each of these actions may make it easier for Maia to seek help.

5.Which response is the most helpful first step if a friend says they are struggling?

Tell them their problem is not serious and they should cheer up.
Listen calmly, take them seriously, and ask what support they would like.
Promise to keep everything secret, whatever they tell you.
Try to diagnose the problem and make a treatment plan.

6.Name two appropriate sources of support for a young person in Aotearoa New Zealand. Include one trusted person and one professional or service.

7.True or false: Resilience means coping alone and never needing help.

TrueFalse

8.Suggest two realistic actions Maia could try this week to support her wellbeing. For each, identify one area of hauora it may support.

9.Explain how connection with te taiao or a place of belonging might support someone’s wellbeing. Give one possible benefit and recognise that this will not be the same for everyone.

10.A friend says they might hurt themselves or cannot stay safe. State two immediate, responsible actions you could take. Do not promise secrecy.