Depression health lesson plans for high school

Three girls smiling in a classroom

Three girls smiling in a classroom

"We Are Here for You"

Most helplines are geared toward adults, but these teens are answering calls, chats, and texts when someone their own age needs to talk—and saving lives.

Lesson Plan A step-by-step guide to teaching this article in your classroom

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Empathy vs. Sympathy Students answer questions about the article and video.

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Here For You Students conduct research to find helpful organizations.

A boy and a girl showing an app on their phones

A boy and a girl showing an app on their phones

Fighting for Mental Health Awareness

When Hannah felt hopeless, she wasn’t sure how to ask for help. Now she and her brother have created an app that makes it easier to reach out for support.

Lesson Plan A step-by-step guide to teaching this article in your classroom

Lesson Plan A step-by-step guide to teaching this article in your classroom

PDF

It’s OK To Not Be OK Students let their peers know that there is no shame in seeking help.

It’s OK To Not Be OK Students let their peers know that there is no shame in seeking help.

PDF

Challenge The Stigma Students research figures who speak up about mental health

Challenge The Stigma Students research figures who speak up about mental health

Want to see more from Choices magazine?

Supplemental resources that link to external websites about anxiety and depression in teens

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health

By the Numbers: Anxiety and depression in teens

Child Mind Institute

More on Anxiety

A curated list of resources, articles and information on common anxiety disorders from the Child Mind Institute.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

A teen-friendly resource for answers about mental health.

Terms and definitions that pertain to anxiety and depression

a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome

a mental condition characterized by feelings of dejection, inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep

a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

a range of behavioral disorders occurring primarily in children. Symptoms include poor concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsivity

Explore Other Topics

Discover other free social-emotional learning topics and teaching resources from Choices magazine.

Stress and Anger Management for Students

Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety

a boy hiding from his computer

Civic Engagement and Media Literacy

Girl looking shocked as she checks her phone

Teaching Anti-Bullying in the Classroom

Two girls texting mean emojis to one girl

Healthy Relationships for Teens

Illustration of a happy couple and a fighting couple

Teaching Perseverance and Resilience

Famous celebrities

Goal-Setting for Students

A boy standing with a stack of books

Decision-Making for Teens

boy sitting with his hands on his face

Experience the Power

of Choices

Scholastic’s social-emotional learning

magazine for grades 7–12

LAURENCE MOUTON/PHOTOALTO/GETTY IMAGES (BOY LOOKING DOWN); "I Had Depression": NATHANIEL WELCH/REDUX FOR SCHOLASTIC INC.; Living With Anxiety: Drew Smith/AP Images for Scholastic, Inc"We Are Here for You": KAREN DUCEY/AP IMAGES FOR SCHOLASTIC, INC; Fighting for Mental Health Awareness: JOHN AMIS/GETTY IMAGES FOR SCHOLASTIC INC.