LIFESMART YOUTH CURRICULUM
Mental Health Essentials
Mental Wellness
Grades 9-12 | 5 sessions (1 hour per session)
47%
OF INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS REPORTED FEELING SAD OR HOPELESS ALMOST EVERY DAY FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS IN A ROW
Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during adolescence – a time of rapid growth, change, and self-discovery. When young people have the tools to understand and care for their mental well-being, they are better equipped to handle life’s challenges, build healthy relationships, and make thoughtful decisions. Prioritizing mental health early on helps reduce the long-term impact of stress, anxiety, and depression, and fosters a stronger sense of self-worth and emotional balance. By teaching students that it’s okay to ask for help and talk openly about their feelings, we foster a culture of empathy, compassion, and support within schools and communities.
Mental Health Essentials is an evidence-based program that helps students build awareness, understanding, and resilience around mental health literacy and prepares students not only to succeed academically but also to thrive emotionally and socially during a critical stage of development.
If you know of someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, we urge you to contact a safe adult, school counselor, healthcare provider, or the crisis hotline by calling or texting 988. Call 911 for immediate danger.
Curriculum Overview
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Define what mental health is in general
Distinguish between mental distress, mental health problems, and mental illness
Discuss misconceptions and stigma around mental health
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Identify the core areas of the brain and their essential functions
Distinguish between teen and adult brain functions and responsiveness to triggers and environmental cues
Explore the interconnectivity of the brain and body, particularly when it pertains to the stress response
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Introduce the way triggers initiate a stress response in the brain and how mental challenges impact the way we respond
Explore the notion of a brain being “sick” by examining potential causes that may contribute to mental health challenges
Examine a range of mental illnesses, highlighting both their key characteristics and the misconceptions surrounding their diagnoses
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Discuss developing healthy coping strategies and stress management techniques
Identifying available resources and support
Creation of mental health kits that focus on coping strategies customized to their wants and needs
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Engage in an activity for the mind
Engage in a physical activity for the body
Engage in a creative exercise that finds the intersection of mind and body that inspires imagination, problem-solving skills, and resiliency
Indiana Academic Standards Met:
HS 1.1
HS 1.2
HS 1.3
HS 1.4
HS 1.6
HS 2.1
HS 2.7
HS 3.2
HS 3.3
HS 4.3
HS 5.1
HS 5.4
HS 5.5
Students need to hear critical information like this from a professional who understands how to deliver the message to our students.
— Partner School TeacherOur Instructional Flow
Review assessments and feedback to ensure programs continue meeting the needs of both teachers and students.
Students are assessed on their entry-level knowledge of the curriculum subject during the first session.
Students complete an exit survey to assess their understanding of the course content.
We distribute our “24/7” LSY resource cards to all participants on the last day of programming.
Students complete all five sessions over the course of the program. Our Health Educator will ensure a safe environment where questions are encouraged.
Meet Our Health Educators
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Danielle Bechtold
Adolescent Health Educator
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Hannah Rapp
Adolescent Health Educator
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Kathy Lesch
Adolescent Health Educator
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Madison Good
Adolescent Health Educator
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Lindsey Welch
Adolescent Health Educator
REQUEST PROGRAMMING
We invite schools to partner with us to make a lasting difference in the lives of students.
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