New
New
Lesson 2 of 4
  • Year 11

Impacts of poor mental health

I can evaluate the impacts of poor mental health on individuals, families and communities.

Lesson 2 of 4
New
New
  • Year 11

Impacts of poor mental health

I can evaluate the impacts of poor mental health on individuals, families and communities.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Poor mental health can happen to anyone.
  2. Poor mental health can affect your life in many ways, including appetite, sleep patterns and social life.
  3. Poor mental health can affect your quality of life, including the ability to work and maintain healthy relationships.
  4. Poor mental health of an individual can impact the lives of those around them.

Keywords

  • Quality of life - how good and satisfying someone’s life feels overall, including their health, relationships and happiness

  • Withdrawal - pulling away from people or activities, often because of feeling low or struggling with mental health

Common misconception

If a person suffers with poor mental health, they are unlikely to recover.

Mental health conditions can be treated, and with the right support, people can go on to live content and meaningful lives. Recovery looks different for everyone, and many people successfully manage their mental health and thrive.


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

Before teaching this lesson, make sure you speak to the RSHE, DSL, or mental health lead for your setting. You might want to signpost mental health support and services specific to your setting.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

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

Download quiz pdf

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:fluctuating,when something is changing continuously

when something is changing continuously

Correct Answer:emotions,feelings we have inside, like happiness, sadness or anger

feelings we have inside, like happiness, sadness or anger

Q2.
Which of the following might cause a person to feel stressed or worried?

winning a sports competition
relaxing after a busy day at school
Correct answer: conflict with a friend
Correct answer: an important exam coming up
Correct answer: too much time on social media

Q3.
means using drugs or alcohol harmfully, hurting health, relationships or daily life in ways hard to control.

Correct Answer: Substance abuse

Q4.
Which of the following statements are true?

Correct answer: Spending lots of time online can have long-lasting effects on our mental health.
Correct answer: People may feel pressured to check their social media accounts regularly.
Self-esteem can become high through constant comparisons to others online.
Correct answer: Excessive screen time can impact a person's physical health.

Q5.
If we ask a trusted adult for help but we're not heard straight away, we should ...

Correct answer: keep asking for help until we are listened to
stop asking for help and deal with the issue ourselves
ask just once more, then solve the issue ourselves
talk to a younger family member for advice
Correct answer: try asking another trusted adult instead

Q6.
Which of the following statements are false?

Correct answer: Mental health is less important than physical health.
We all have mental health.
Mental health can be affected by a variety of factors, such as big life events.
Correct answer: Mental health concerns are always a person’s fault.
Correct answer: Mental health concerns cannot be supported or treated.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Which term means how good and satisfying someone’s life feels overall, including their health, relationships and happiness?

Correct Answer: quality of life

Q2.
One way poor mental health can affect a person is by causing social ...

Correct Answer: withdrawal, withdraw

Q3.
People can get support with their mental health by ...

facing it alone
Correct answer: speaking to their GP
using online forums to read non-expert advice
Correct answer: contacting free helplines
Correct answer: using online resources from trusted organisations

Q4.
How can poor mental health affect a person's life? It can affect their ...

Correct answer: appetite
Correct answer: sleep patterns
eye colour
Correct answer: social life
Correct answer: ability to work

Q5.
Which of the following statements are true?

Only adults experience mental health problems.
Correct answer: Poor mental health of an individual can impact the lives of those around them.
If a person suffers with poor mental health, they are unlikely to recover.
Mental health issues always last forever.

Q6.
Match the impact of poor mental health with the area of life it affects.

Correct Answer:loss of appetite,physical health and eating habits

physical health and eating habits

Correct Answer:social withdrawal,relationships and friendships

relationships and friendships

Correct Answer:sleep problems,rest and daily energy levels

rest and daily energy levels

Correct Answer:work difficulties,employment and career progression

employment and career progression