HIGH SCHOOL: LESSON PLAN 4
High School Lesson 4: Mental Health and Substance Use: Understanding the Connection and Building Resilience
Students will learn about the five dimensions of health and wellness and how mental health connects to substance use. They will develop an understanding of substance use disorders and mental health challenges, and explore self-care strategies and support systems that can promote well-being.
This lesson is aligned with the following learning outcomes from the NL High School Health Curriculum:
Drug Education
- Describe how substances can affect the five components of health and well-being (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social health).
- Analyze the connections between mental health and substance use, including how one can influence or impact the other.
- Identify and apply personal self-care strategies that promote resilience, well-being, and harm reduction.
- Evaluate the role of support systems (family, friends, community) in maintaining mental health and reducing risks related to substance use.
- Demonstrate decision-making and goal-setting skills that support mental health, well-being, and safer choices.
Emotional and Social Well-being
- Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and behaviours related to health-related decision making.
Technology and Communications
- Utilize information technology to access, present, and communicate information on substance use.
Environmental Health and Safety
- Demonstrate skills and behaviours which enhance personal safety, the safety of others, and the protection of the environment.
Learning Activities
Coming soon
These resources may help support the delivery of the lesson plan and learning activities:
Educational Materials
The relevant Educational Materials for this lesson are referenced throughout the lesson plan; additional ones are available here.
Substance Snapshots
Relevant Substance Snapshots are noted in the lesson plan; more may be accessed here.