We All Have Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. You may need different things in order to feel physically healthy, and so you may also need different things to make you mentally healthy. In this Exploration Guide for students in grades 3-5, learn about what having good mental health may mean for you, and what others do to manage their own mental health.
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We All Have Mental Health | Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
As the World Health Organization famously says, “There is no health without mental health.” We all have emotions, feelings, thoughts and moods that may influence our mental health, and that is perfectly normal. While striving to have good mental health may look different for everyone, it is something we are all trying to do. It takes time and awareness to keep your mind healthy.
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Why Do We Have Feelings | Mocomi
Did you know that emotions are chemical messages that your brain sends to your body? Your brain is constantly processing what is happening around you and telling your body to react, whether you are crying during a sad movie or laughing at a funny joke. This video talks about the relationship between emotions and feelings, and how that can help you understand your own mental health!
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Happy: All About Feelings, Part 1| Brains On! Podcast
What makes you happy? Is it ice cream? Your pet? Watching your favorite show? Neurotransmitters and serotonin? This podcast goes into all the things that play a role in making you feel good. Each of us have different “emotional thermostats," and thinking about our feelings can help figure out what to do with them.
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Sadness and Depression | KidsHealth from Nemours
Sadness and depression may be similar, but they are not the same. It is important to learn the differences between the two so you can better communicate with others how you are feeling and what support you may need. This article is a great starting point for understanding the difference between an emotion and a mental health issue.
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Stress | BrainPOP
Stress is what you feel when you are under pressure. It can be physical, like the feeling of butterflies in your stomach and headaches, or it can be emotional, like sadness and fear. When you are feeling stressed, what kind of things do you do to make yourself feel better?
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Just Breathe Short Film | Mindful Schools
These kindergartners have strong emotions, just like we all do. Do you remember feeling like this when you were their age? Do you ever feel like this now? Even adults struggle to remember to slow down and breathe. What can we all learn from these kids?
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Kids Yoga with Corri | YMCA 360
When our thoughts become overwhelming or invasive, meditation is a practice that can be used to clear and calm the mind. Sometimes that is easier said than done, so practicing yoga can be helpful by drawing your attention away from your thoughts and instead to the sensations in your body.
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Here Comes a Thought | Steven Universe, Cartoon Network
If you are inspired to try meditation after practicing yoga, this song from the cartoon Steven Universe is a great place to start thinking more about it!
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What's the Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness | HeretoHelp
When we talk about mental health, there can be a lot of confusion as to whether what we are feeling is normal or due to a mental illness. Read this article to learn more about what those differences are.
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Unstuck: An OCD Kids Movie | Kanopy
You have probably heard people say they are “OCD” when they are in the process of organizing things in a specific way, but OCD is much more complex than that. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious mental health issue that affects millions of people, including kids. This film focuses on the different experiences of six kids with diagnosed OCD, and how they have learned to live with their diagnoses. As you watch, ask yourself what you learned about OCD that you were wrong about before.
View Unstuck: An OCD Kids Movie | Kanopy