TEEN TALK: Let's Talk About Mental Health Awareness
In this class, teens explore mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Learn about mental health information and resources, warning signs, communication skills, and how to connect with appropriate adults who offer support.
Julie Connor, EdD
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(357)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Conversations about mental health are uncomfortable, but they are necessary. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that approximately 18.5% (1 in 5 teens) struggle with depression, anxiety, or a form of mental illness. Less than 50% of teens struggling with mental illness receive the support and treatment they need because they do not know how to find available resources. Fears of upsetting parents or being viewed as “different” by their friends or peers prevent many teens from asking for services or support. Teens often turn to one another for support and direction when they face life's challenges. Desperate to be supportive, many teens swear one another into silence - sometimes with deadly consequences. Conversations that promote mental health awareness empowers teens with tools and helpful resources. Research shows that ongoing dialogue with teens, caring adults, and trained peer leaders in safe and positive environments reduce risk factors such as powerlessness, social isolation, peer tensions, bullying, and suicide among students in schools. Teens equipped with communication skills were four times more likely to refer a friend in crisis to a caring adult (Sources of Strength, 2009). When teens and caring adults work together to form caring communities, teens report less anxiety, stress, and fear. Education, early detection, intervention, and referrals to appropriate mental health services offer teens healing and hope. Teens feel more confident when they develop skills and tools that strengthen their own mental and physical health. These skills strengthen resilience, increase self-confidence, build relationships with adults and one another, and inspire teens with hope.
Learning Goals
The purpose of this class is to empower teens with communication and reflective listening skills to pay attention to warning signs and refer their friends to knowledgeable, caring adults in their schools and communities (such as school counselors, mentors, pastors, etc.). It is not the intention of this class to empower students with counseling skills nor is it the role of teens to act as interventionists.
1. Teens will identify personal skills that equip them to face life's challenges with strength and resilience.
2. Teens will learn how to recognize specific warning signs that may indicate a friend needs immediate support and how to refer them to a caring adult.
3. Teens will learn reflective listening and communication skills.
4. Teens will use the #BeThe1To action steps if a friend discusses suicide, www.BeThe1To.com (National Suicide Prevention LIfeline):
#BeThe1To Ask. Ask the tough question. When somebody you know is in emotional pain, be direct. Ask, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
#BeThe1To Keep Them Safe. Is a friend or loved one thinking about suicide? Ask, “Do you have a plan?” Find out if they’ve thought about how they would end their lives.
If you can not physically intervene in someone’s attempt to hurt themselves, get help. Call a family member. Call 911. Or use Emergency SOS on your iPhone or Android device to request assistance.
#BeThe1To Be There. It is never easy to hear someone you care about describe their pain or hopelessness. Listen with compassion without dismissing or judging their words.
#BeThe1To Help Them Connect. Help your friend connect to a support system. A network includes family, friends, school administrators, teachers, counselors, doctors, clergy, coaches, or therapists so they have someone to reach out to for help.
#BeThe1ToFollowUp
If a friend tells you they are thinking about ending their own life, be a good friend – suicide is not a secret to keep confidential. Tell a counselor. Tell your teacher. Tell a pastor. Tell an adult you trust. Do not share confidential information on social media. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8225) and the counselor at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline will help you #BeThe1 to save a friend’s life.
5. Teens will discover how to access and refer friends to caring adults and local resources in their schools and communities.
6. Teens will discover how to access suicide prevention resources, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, www.suicidepreventionhotline.org, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and the Crisis Text Line, www.CrisisTextLine.org, 741741 (U.S. & Canada), 85258 (U.K.), or 086 1800 280 (Ireland).
7. Teens will review how to practice positive self-care and set appropriate boundaries.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The focus of this class is to empower teens with positive communication skills and tools if a friend or someone they care about is experiencing a crisis. Silence can have devastating consequences. It is not the role of the teen to counsel or advise; rather, this class will help teens guide friends to caring adults at their school, church, or community who are trained to offer guidance and support to teens in crisis.
Supply List
The "#BeThe1To Communication Steps" will be provided to teens.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Dr. Julie Connor will provide a PowerPoint presentation to guide the discussion. Information for this presentation is grounded in the following resources:
ONLINE RESOURCES & HOTLINE INFORMATION:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, www.988lifeline.org or call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Trained counselors available 24 hours a day.
Crisis Text Line. Enter 741741 (U.S. & Canada), type “HOME” to speak with a trained counselor, www.crisistextline.org.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), www.NAMI.org
Support & Information, https://www.nami.org/Support-Education
Teens & Young Adults, https://nami.org/Your-Journey/Teens-Young-Adults
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
BOOKS FOR TEENS:
Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman (schizophrenia)
Free Verse by Sarah Dooley (depression)
Paperweight by Meg Haston (eating disorders, anxiety)
History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera (OCD)
This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales (depression)
When We Collided by Emery Lord (bipolar disorder)
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (social anxiety)
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness (mental illness)
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay (PTSD)
Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley (anxiety, agoraphobia)
What I Leave Behind by Alison McGhee (suicide)
Joined June, 2020
4.9
357reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Missouri Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Missouri Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
3 Degrees
Doctoral Degree in Education from University of Missouri
Master's Degree in Education from University of Central Missouri
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Central Missouri
As a TED and school assembly speaker, seasoned educator, teen mental health advocate, and author, I help youth and adults throughout North America talk about tough topics like mental illness, substance abuse, bullying, and suicide prevention. My education and experiences include:
* Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
* Education Specialist (Ed.S.) - Education Administration / Elementary & Secondary Ed.
* Master of Science in Education (M.S.) - Curriculum & Instruction
* Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.) - Elementary Education (K-8)
Mental Health Certification:
* Psychology & Advanced Psychology Instructor
* University Drug Use & Misuse Instructor
* Certified Sources of Strength Trainer
* Pathway to Hope Trainer for Caregivers
* Mental Health First Aid Trainer
* Mental Health School Assembly Speaker
* Mental Health Trainer and Professional Development for Adults
Teacher Certification:
* Elementary Education (K-Gr. 8)
* Secondary English & Language Arts (Gr. 7-12)
* Secondary Speech & Theater (Gr. 7-12)
* Secondary Science Education (Gr. 7-12)
TESOL Certification (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
TEDxYouth@Louisburg Speaker
30+ years for traditional and online teaching experience in and outside of the U.S.
30+ years of experience as a speech coach
30+ years of experience as a speech & debate contest judge
Author of an award-winning personal goal-setting book, Dreams to Action Trailblazer's Guide
Visit www.DrJulieConnor.com to learn more.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-10 learners per class
