We should all aim to build good mental health. Globally, one in six people will be affected by a mental health issue during their lifetime. Mental health promotion is key and we should do all we can to care for our mental and emotional health.
What is Mental Health Awareness Week?
Mental Health Awareness Week was started by the Mental Health Foundation in 2001 with the aim of promoting positive mental health. It occurs every May and is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and also to develop ways of maintaining good mental health. This year it will take place from 15–21 May.
The theme for this year is: ‘Anxiety’. More and more people are being affected by anxiety, and the cost of living crisis is causing a huge increase in the number of people suffering with anxiety.
Effects of Anxiety on Mental Health
Anxiety can cause a number of negative effects to our mental health and wellbeing. It is normal to experience anxiety, for example before an interview or an important exam, or when we are under pressure. Anxiety can also be useful, and can put the body on high alert when there is a dangerous situation looming. However, too much anxiety is harmful to our mental health and can interfere with our ability to live a normal life. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week helps raise awareness of anxiety and encourages everyone to develop coping skills to keep negative anxiety in check.
Mental Health Awareness Week Online
Get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week using the following hashtags:
Mental Health Resources
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
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
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
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
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
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