Understanding Mental Health

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for Year 11 Special Needs students to deepen their understanding of mental health, focusing on differentiating between everyday feelings and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. The session emphasises the impact of bullying, including online bullying, on mental health and empowers students to recognise when and how to seek help. The lesson aligns closely with the statutory guidance in the National Curriculum for England, particularly the PSHE education statutory framework (2021).

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National Curriculum Links

• PSHE Education Statutory Guidance (England, 2021)

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Section:
    • Pupils should know:
      • The characteristics and mental and physical benefits of an active lifestyle.
      • That mental health, just like physical health, is part of daily life and the importance of self-care.
      • How to recognise the early signs of mental health problems.
      • Where and how to seek support (including online) for themselves and others.
  • Relationships Education and Health Education:
    • Understand the impact of bullying on mental health, including online bullying.

• SEND Considerations: Content and activities adapted for accessibility, scaffolding, and multi-sensory engagement to support diverse learning needs.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Recap the definition of mental health and distinguish between everyday feelings and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
2. Understand how bullying, including online bullying, can damage mental health.
3. Identify appropriate steps to take in seeking help for themselves or others experiencing mental health difficulties related to bullying.

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Resources

• Visual aids: emotion cards showing everyday feelings vs mental health symptoms
• Scenario cards depicting bullying and online bullying situations
• Large paper/whiteboard and coloured pens
• "Help and Support" guide handout with contact information for trusted sources (adapted for SEND)
• Calm sensory objects (e.g., stress balls) for engagement and self-regulation

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Lesson Plan

1. Starter Activity: Recap on Mental Health (8 minutes)

• Method: Interactive discussion with visual prompts
• Display emotion cards illustrating daily emotions (e.g., happy, sad, worried) alongside symptoms of anxiety and depression (e.g., persistent sadness, loss of interest, restlessness).
• Ask students to sort cards into two piles: “Everyday feelings” and “Mental health problems.” Assist and scaffold as needed.
• Brief recap: Explain mental health is about how we think, feel, and behave. Everyday feelings come and go, but mental health problems like anxiety and depression last longer and affect how we live.

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2. Main Activity: The Impact of Bullying on Mental Health (20 minutes)

Part A: Understanding Bullying (10 minutes)

• Present simple definitions of bullying and online bullying, including examples suitable for Special Needs students (using clear, concrete language).
• Show scenario cards illustrating different bullying situations (e.g., exclusion, name-calling, online harassment).
• Group discussion: How might these situations make someone feel? Link feelings to mental health.

Part B: Recognising When to Get Help (10 minutes)

• Using the “Help and Support” handouts, discuss trusted adults and services students can approach.
• Role play: In pairs, practice asking for help based on bullying scenarios, encouraging confidence and clear communication.
• Reinforce the message: It is brave and important to get help for yourself or someone else.

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3. Plenary: Reflection and Calm Down Activity (10 minutes)

• Circle time: Each student shares one new thing they learned today or one feeling they want to take care of.
• Lead a simple guided breathing exercise with calm sensory objects to promote self-regulation and wellbeing.
• Summarise key points: Mental health matters, bullying hurts mental health, and help is available—always reach out.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during sorting activity and role play to ensure understanding of key concepts.
• Use a simplified exit card: each student states one way bullying might affect someone’s feelings or one person they can talk to if worried.

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Differentiation & Support

• Use clear, simple language throughout.
• Provide visual aids and concrete examples to reinforce abstract concepts.
• Offer one-to-one or small group support during discussions and role play.
• Sensory objects for self-soothing during activities.
• Check comprehension regularly with yes/no or thumbs up/down questions.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a “Kindness Pledge” poster to display in the classroom or online group, promoting anti-bullying messages and mental health awareness.
• Develop a personalised “My Safety Plan” supported by the SENCo or teaching assistant, highlighting trusted people and coping strategies.

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This lesson supports the development of empathy, communication skills, and emotional literacy tailored to Year 11 Special Needs students, ensuring statutory PSHE aims are met inclusively and sensitively.