When was the last time you felt misunderstood? Ask the group to think about a time when they felt misunderstood – what was that experience like? People with mental health problems often feel misunderstood, because of general lack of understanding about mental health, the taboos and false negative stereotypes which abound. Time to Change is a national campaign which is trying to end all that, so that mental health can become an ordinary topic to discuss like any other. This session will introduce you to the topic of mental health, stigma and discrimination, and the Time to Change campaign 1

Time to Change mission To make life better for everyone by ending the discrimination faced by people with mental health problems To inspire young people to work together to break down the stigma that surrounds mental illness Ask the group - What is stigma? Can you think of any examples? What is discrimination? Can you think of any examples?

About mental health stigma & discrimination A definition of stigma: The experience of shame or disgrace that sets people apart and identifies them as being different or undesirable A definition of discrimination: Less favourable treatment of people, which might include being less able to access opportunities and resources Time to Change Children and Young People’s programme development Summary of research and Insights 2012 Pull out the language that young people may relate to – bullying, teasing, judging people, excluding people, talking about people behind their back, name calling, making sweeping generalisations, blaming people for their mental health problems, labeling people as ‘attention seeking’

Quiz How many young people will experience a mental health problem in any one year? A: 1 in 10 young people B: 1 in 100 young people C: 1 in 1000 young people Answer - A

Quiz What are the most common mental health problems experienced by young people? A: Schizophrenia B: Depression and Anxiety C: Anorexia Answer - B

What is mental health? Split the group into 2 and give each a piece of flip chart paper. One piece of paper should say ‘mental health’ and one should say ‘mental illness’ Ask the groups to spend time writing down all the words they associate with these terms Ask each group to present. Discuss – were the responses similar for each? Did anyone write anything positive which they associated with mental health (eg wellbeing, self esteem, experiencing a range of / recognising / understanding your emotions?) Discuss - which terms do you think are appropriate? Which might be stigmatising? Explain – we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Let’s now look at one definition of what mental health is (see next slide) Alternative activity: Start activity by asking everyone to ‘Put your hand up if.. you have physical health’ (hopefully all hands should go up!) ‘Put your hand up if.. you have mental health’ (usually few hands go up or there is some hesitation) ‘Put your hand up if.. you’ve felt happy or content in the last week’ ‘Put your hand up if.. you’ve felt sad or low in the last week’ ‘Put your hand up if.. you’ve felt stressed in the last week’ Explain to the group that this is their mental health. We all have mental health as we all have physical health. Just as our physical health varies at different times, so does our mental health. We can also look after our mental health as we can look after our physical health. Some people develop mental health problems, but these can be addressed, and just like with physical health problems, there should be nothing to be ashamed of.

A definition of mental health "The capacity to live a full, productive life as well as the flexibility to deal with its ups and downs. In children and young people it is especially about the capacity to learn, enjoy friendships, to meet challenges, to develop talents and capabilities.” Source: Young Minds 1999 What do you think of this definition? It’s positive, something we might all aspire to

True or false? Mental health problems make you weaker You can recover from a mental health problem I know someone with a mental health problem There are ways you can help yourself feel better if you feel bad F – some people find that they are more self aware and feel stronger after having experienced a mental health problem. T – recovery is possible, particularly if you have sought help early T – 1 in 4 adults will experience a mental health problem so chances are you know someone T – discuss what those ways are. (eg talking to someone you trust, exercise, sleep, recognising and appreciating your positive attributes.)

Different types of mental health problems Depression – lasting low mood, hopelessness, loss of energy Anxiety disorders – lasting sense of worry, panic, dread which is affecting someone’s ability to live their life as usual Eating disorders – may have an unrealistic view of their body shape and weight. Not just about dieting – can be related to low self esteem or coping with very difficult emotions or situations. Self harm – often a way of coping with emotional difficulties. Psychosis – change of reality. Sometimes hearing voices and seeing things that others don’t see / hear. May feel paranoid. For more information: www.rethink.org www.mind.org www.seemescotland.org Ask the group if they have any questions about any of these mental health problems. Explain that we all feel low or anxious some of the time. The point at which we might be experiencing a mental health problem is when those feelings are persistent and unshifting or affecting our ability to function. It’s important to talk to someone you trust or seek professional help.

Why do people develop mental health problems? Some people feel it is a chemical imbalance in the brain Some feel it is all about trauma (everyone has a personal story of trauma, abuse, grief, bullying, separation loss, etc) Some feel it is about lack of money or privilege There are a lot of views but it is important that someone’s personal view is listened to and respected There is no one answer Anyone can develop a mental health problem. You can recover from any mental health problem, particularly if you have sought help early. You can have a mental health diagnosis and still lead a full life.

The Stand Up Kid Show the Stand Up Kid film Ask the group for their reactions: -how do they think Michael was feeling? -what do you think led Michael to do what he did? (bullying, teasing, or maybe just being left out and forgotten about by his friends) -if you were re-playing the story from the beginning - what could Michael’s teacher and peers have done differently, to help welcome him back?

Explain that it’s the little things which can make a really big difference to someone having a tough time with their mental health or for any other reason. We’re encouraging people to remember to make time for their mates. Ask for ideas – how can we support our mates? What can we do?

Final message- -everyone has fluctuating mental health, mental health problems are common and recovery is possible. Talk to a trusted adult if you are worried. -be there for your mates during tough times, it makes a big difference -check out Time to Change’s website to get more involved