Introduction
What is the picture in your mind when you think of mental illness? Take a moment and consider this picture. Did you think of Leonardo DiCaprio obsessive compulsive disorder , Lady Gaga post traumatic stress disorder , Abraham Lincoln depression , Adele postpartum depression , or Beethoven bipolar disorder ? These are just a few of the famous people who have been very successful despite their mental illnesses.
The movie “A Beautiful Mind” tells the story of John Nash, who won the Nobel Prize undeterred by his struggle with schizophrenia. His success would not have been possible without support from his family and community. The greatest challenge in dealing with mental illness is recognizing, diagnosing, and treating the disease.
Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...
- Demonstrate an ability to recognize emotions and respond to them in a way that promotes mental health
- Respond appropriately to signs of depression and other types of mental illness.
- Demonstrate compassion and understanding for those suffering from mental illness.
Essential Questions
- How do I recognize and respond to mental illness in myself and others?
Enduring Understandings
- The greatest challenge in mental illness is recognizing symptoms, seeking treatment when needed, and having access to appropriate care.
- Emotions are normal.
- Good boundaries are an important part of mental health.
The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Health Education standards: 1.2a, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 3.5, 4.4, and 8.3