STUDENT
ACTIVITIES
1.Research the life of a well-known person with a mental illness. How
might the illness have affected him or her both positively and
negatively?
2.What is the latest information about the biological basis of mental
illness?
3.What is the latest research on the relationship between violence and
mental illness?
4.Where can someone from South Dakota go for help for a mental illness?
5.What movies have portrayed mental illness? How?
6.Invite a local mental health advocate to speak to your class.
OBJECTIVES
1.Decrease the stigma surrounding mental illnesses.
2.Show that individuals with a diagnosis of a mental illness can and do
lead productive lives.
3.Explain that mental illnesses have a biological basis and can be
treated.
4.Teach the signs and symptoms of a major mental illness.
5.Illustrate that mental illness can affect anyone.
6.Encourage young people to get help if they feel they have a mental
illness, or get help for others who might be in need.
