Mental health literacy is the knowledge and understanding of how to develop and maintain mental well-being, identify risk factors and signs of mental health challenges, access help when needed, and reduce stigma.
Helping teach students mental health literacy can be best accomplished by engaging students in thoughtful discussions, and encouraging students to think critically about their current beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours. This conversation can be best facilitated by caring adults who connect with students regularly (like teachers or counsellors). There are a number of resources, curriculum-linked lesson plans, and toolkits that you can use to have these conversations, while increasing your own knowledge with the subject material. Below are a few resources for school professionals to facilitate these discussions.
Mental Health Literacy Resources and Curriculum for the Classroom
School Mental Health & Wellness Video Resources
A collection of video resources for students and families to support conversations around mental health, including stress and anxiety.
Teach Mental Health
A free, online modular resource to help teacher candidates and current teachers to develop and expand their mental health literacy. Seven fully online modules provide a self-guided course (start and stop anytime) with many resources to support educators in school contexts.
Mental Health & High School Curriculum Guide
The curriculum guide provides a complete set of educational tools to increase understanding of mental health and mental disorders among both students and teachers. Click here for a PDF of the guide.There is also a self guided, online training for Bringing Mental Health to Schools: A Curriculum Resource for Grades 7 – 12 based on the Guide.
Stop Wondering, Start Knowing: A Mental Health Video Resource for Schools
A video resource and facilitation guide to help students and educators understand the early signs of mental health challenges and the resources available for support.