Active learning ideas
This topic introduces the concept of mental health as a dynamic continuum, rather than a simple binary of 'healthy' or 'ill.' Students learn to distinguish between mental wellbeing, mental health problems, and mental disorders, while identifying the internal and external factors that influence an individual's place on the continuum. This framework is essential for reducing stigma and helping students understand the complexity of mental health in themselves and others.
Activity 01
Place 'Mentally Healthy,' 'Mental Health Problem,' and 'Mental Disorder' signs across the room. Read out various scenarios, and students must physically move to the spot on the continuum they think the person occupies, justifying their choice to their peers.
How is mental health represented on a continuum?
Activity 02
Groups create a 'T-chart' of factors influencing mental health. They must categorise items like genetics, personality, family support, and socio-economic status, then discuss how an internal factor might interact with an external one to change a person's wellbeing.
What are the typical characteristics of a mentally healthy person?
Activity 03
Pairs brainstorm the traits of a 'mentally healthy' person. They then compare their list to the official VCE criteria (e.g., high levels of functioning, social and emotional wellbeing, resilience) and identify which traits are most visible in their own lives.
How do internal and external factors interact to influence mental wellbeing?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
A mental health problem is the same as a mental disorder.
Students often use these terms interchangeably. The 'Human Continuum' activity helps them see that a 'problem' is often temporary and related to a specific life stressor, while a 'disorder' involves more significant, long-lasting impairment and specific diagnostic criteria.
Mental health is a fixed state.
Students may think you are either 'born' mentally healthy or not. Discussing the continuum helps them understand that everyone moves back and forth along the scale throughout their lives depending on their circumstances and coping skills.
Methods used in this brief
The Biopsychosocial Approach to Phobias
Apply the biopsychosocial framework to understand the development and management of specific phobias. Students will examine biological, psychological, and social contributing factors and interventions.
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8 methodologies