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Lesson 3 of 4
  • Year 11

Biological influences on mental health

I can describe a range of physical health factors that may influence mental health.

Lesson 3 of 4
New
New
  • Year 11

Biological influences on mental health

I can describe a range of physical health factors that may influence mental health.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Puberty and menopause can affect mental health.
  2. Infertility and chronic illness can affect mental health for many members of a family unit.
  3. Postnatal depression can affect parents, and it can begin many months after giving birth.
  4. Looking after our bodies cannot always avoid periods of low mental health - this is no one's fault.

Keywords

  • Biological - related to living things and life processes

  • Stigma - being judged or treated unfairly just because of a particular characteristic, situation or condition, like having a mental health condition

  • Support - the actions taken to help someone who is in a difficult or dangerous situation, such as providing care and seeking medical attention

Common misconception

Mental health and physical health are not linked.

Mental health and physical health are closely linked. When our body feels strong, our mind tends to feel strong too.


To help you plan your year 11 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Biological influences on mental health, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

This lesson touches upon many challenging scenarios, including postnatal depression and chronic illness. Ensure that you're aware as far as possible of any triggering circumstances amongst your pupils before delivering the lesson. Provide clear signposting to further support as needed.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following words to the correct definitions.

Correct Answer:mental health,the health of our minds and emotions

the health of our minds and emotions

Correct Answer:empathy,the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

Correct Answer:treatment,professional help given to improve someone's physical or mental health

professional help given to improve someone's physical or mental health

Q2.
Which of the following statements are true?

Mental health is less important than physical health.
Correct answer: Regular exercise and a healthy diet can have a positive effect on mental health.
Mental health is more important than physical health.
Correct answer: Everyone has mental health.
Correct answer: Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Q3.
Poor mental health can impact a person's ...

Correct Answer: quality of life

Q4.
Complete the following sentence starters with the correct ending.

Correct Answer:Poor mental health impacts people and ..,their family, friends and community.

their family, friends and community.

Correct Answer:Support and self-care ...,can help to improve mental health.

can help to improve mental health.

Correct Answer:People with a mental health condition ..,can live contented, meaningful lives with support and treatment.

can live contented, meaningful lives with support and treatment.

Correct Answer:It's important to ...,talk to a trusted adult if you're concerned about mental health.

talk to a trusted adult if you're concerned about mental health.

Q5.
It is 'normal' for emotions to ...

Correct answer: fluctuate
remain constant
only change occasionally
only change in females

Q6.
Which of the following statements are true?

Correct answer: Mental health concerns are never a person's fault.
Substance abuse decreases the risk of poor mental health.
Correct answer: Substance abuse increases the risk of poor mental health.
Correct answer: Mental health can influence the way in which we think, feel or behave.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following words to the correct definitions.

Correct Answer:biological,related to living things and life processes

related to living things and life processes

Correct Answer:stigma,being judged because of a characteristic, situation or condition

being judged because of a characteristic, situation or condition

Correct Answer:support,actions taken to help someone in a difficult or dangerous situation

actions taken to help someone in a difficult or dangerous situation

Q2.
Which of the following statements are true?

Correct answer: Mental health and physical health are closely linked.
When our mental health changes, our physical health remains unchanged.
Correct answer: When our mental health changes, our physical health can be impacted.
Poor mental health can always be avoided.

Q3.
Which of the following biological changes might lead to poor mental health?

Correct answer: puberty
digestion
Correct answer: menopause
Correct answer: chronic illness

Q4.
Match the following sentence starters to the correct endings.

Correct Answer:Poor mental health can ...,affect anyone, at any time.

affect anyone, at any time.

Correct Answer:Using carefully considered language ...,can help to reduce the stigma around mental health.

can help to reduce the stigma around mental health.

Correct Answer:When we exercise, our ...,body produces endorphins which boost mood.

body produces endorphins which boost mood.

Correct Answer:If our body feels strong, our ...,mind is likely to feel strong too.

mind is likely to feel strong too.

Q5.
and chronic illness can affect mental health for many members of a family unit.

Correct Answer: Infertility

Q6.
Which of the following statements are false?

Correct answer: Mental health concerns should be kept to ourselves.
Talking about poor mental health can break down barriers around mental health.
Correct answer: There is no support available for poor mental health.
If you're concerned about mental health, you should talk to a trusted adult.
Correct answer: If you're not heard when you ask for support, you should keep quiet.