Mental Health
Teenage Depression — A Way Out
Tackles the issue of depression including causes and signs that parents and teachers can look out for.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 87
- Illustrated throughout
Ebook: £10.99 
Hard copy: £35.99 add to basket
Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Covers suicide from a variety of perspectives, the reasons behind suicide, the groups most at risk and the warning signs.
- Focus: For those interested in suicide prevention and mental health policy
- Category: General
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 61
- Illustrated throughout
Ebook: £10.99
Hard copy: £35.99 add to basket
Suicide is Never the Answer
Understand the reasons behind suicidal feelings in young people and recognise the signs to help prevent this tragedy.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 44
- Illustrated throughout
Ebook: £8.99
Hard copy: £25.99 add to basket
Mental Health Lesson Plans
Introduction to Mental Health
This lesson plan introduces the subject of mental health and mental illness.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 15
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99 
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Introduction to Loneliness
An introduction to loneliness and the way it affects our physical and mental health.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 15
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Exam Stress
This lesson plan provides information and advice on dealing with exam stress.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 17
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Suicide Prevention
A lesson plan designed to promote suicide awareness and prevention.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 21
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Introduction to Depression
This lesson plan introduces depression and the way it affects us physically and mentally.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 14
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
A lesson plan examining anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder — a more extreme form of anxiety.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Lesson plan
- First published: 2022
- Pages: 14
- Duration: 55 mins – 1 hour
Ebook: £2.99
Hard copy: £10.99 add to basket
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is a huge topic that encompasses many areas including emotional, psychological and social wellbeing through to mental illnesses and psychotic disorders. But how do we define ‘mental health’ and how does it affect our overall wellbeing? Are mental health and emotional health the same?
Mental health affects the way we think, feel and act in certain situations and it shapes our ability to make life choices, develop relationships and handle stressful situations. Emotional health is an element of mental health and it is linked to the way we control our feelings and behaviours.
Unfortunately, mental health also includes a number of hidden disabilities and it is therefore vital that we are mindful of our mental health and develop ways to keep our mind healthy.
Types of Mental Illness
Many recognisable mental health disorders include:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Suicidal ideation
- Emotional distress (for example bereavement)
- Schizophrenia
- Psychosis
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Grief
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
Serious mental illnesses require medical intervention and it may therefore be necessary to contact a GP or mental health professional.
Causes of Mental Illness
Anyone can develop mental health problems such as anxiety, grief or more serious mental illnesses like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), psychosis or schizophrenia.
The causes of mental illnesses are varied and complex. Some of the most common causes are PTSD, poverty, physical illness and a host of life experiences and environmental factors. Even loneliness can lead to mental health conditions.
There have been reports of stress and anxiety caused by the cost of living crisis. Financial worries can lead to chronic stress which, if left untreated, can develop into severe depression.
In some cases it would be advisable to seek help from a mental health professional who may recommend treatments such as psychotherapy, CBT and/or medication.
Signs of Mental Illness
There are a number of signs that can indicate a mental health condition such as:
- Becoming withdrawn
- Feeling overly down or sad
- Sleeping more or less often than normal
- Extreme irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Loss of interest in things previously enjoyed
- Feeling exhausted with little energy to carry out basic tasks
Dealing with Mental Disorders
Worldwide, one in five people are thought to suffer from some form of mental health issue, yet mental health stigmas still exist. Thankfully attitudes are slowly changing as more people openly discuss their mental health. However, dealing with a mental health issue is still a challenge which takes time and understanding.
Can Mental Health Issues Be Prevented?
There are some steps that can be taken to promote a positive mental health.
- There is much that can be gained from eating a healthy diet, which includes protein, carbs, fibre and a variety of fruit and veg.
- Exercise is beneficial as it can reduce stress and help maintain a healthy weight. A good exercise program can also improve sleep by relieving stress and anxiety. It is easier to sleep when the body is tired following a good exercise regime.
- Staying positive and developing resilience can also help people who are dealing with mental conditions.
- Meditation and breathing exercises are useful and can help relieve stress.
Can Mental Health Issues Be Cured?
Although it may not be possible to completely cure most mental illnesses, they can usually be treated which can help minimise the symptoms. For example, by making some lifestyle changes as listed in the previous section, it is possible to control stress and anxiety.
As outlined above, a healthy diet alongside a good exercise regime can help alleviate some of the symptoms of mental health problems. Sports activities are also a good way to encourage socialising. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation which often affect those dealing with mental health issues.
Learning to relax can help people manage a range of mental health conditions. If symptoms worsen, there are many mental health treatments available including relaxation techniques and talk therapies, as well as more conventional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy. Our section on Mental Health Treatments provides more information.
Mental Health Stigmas
Although people are becoming more comfortable discussing their mental health concerns, there is still a stigma associated with mental illness. People with mental health problems are often confronted by judgemental attitudes and media stereotypes which give a negative impression and exacerbate stigmas surrounding mental health.
Aspects of Mental Health
More must be done to promote positive mental health and support those with a mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Week is one way we can all get involved. There are also other areas of mental health that play a part in helping people suffering with mental health issues including:
- Mental health services
- Mental health treatments
- Mental health support
- Mental health disorder prevention
- Mental health policy
Mental health is undeniably a topic that touches all our lives. The mental health problems that can affect us or our loved ones can lead to drug addiction, alcohol addiction and suicidal ideation.
All Resources provides a number of publications covering a range of mental health topics. We believe that a healthy mind contributes to a healthy life and therefore we want to promote discussuion on ways to enhance emotional wellbeing. For this reason, we produce mental health resources that are a collaborative wealth of information authored by:
- People with first-hand experience of mental health issues.
- People who have used mental health services including treatment and recovery within the mental health system.
- People who are survivors — who have come out the other side with a desire to help educate others.