Mental Health Grade 8

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Grade 8 eins

SESSION 1

What is mental health? Why is it important?

How many of y’all use social media? Instagram, Snapchat, X,


Discord

Social media has had a significant impact on mental health, with both
positive and negative effects. It's important to note that the impact can
vary from person to person, and individuals may experience a
combination of these effects:

1. Positive Effects
a. Social Connection: Social media allows people to connect with
friends and family, fostering social interaction and reducing
feelings of isolation, especially for individuals who may be
geographically distant.
b. Information and Awareness: Social media can be a valuable
source of information, raising awareness about mental health
issues, available resources, and treatment options.
c. Support Communities: Online communities, feeling part of
something. Maybe a fanpage.
d. Expressing Creativity and Identity: Social media can
provide an outlet for creative expression and the sharing of
personal interests, promoting a sense of identity and belonging.

2. Negative Effects:
a. Social Comparison and Envy: Constant exposure to carefully
curated and idealized lives on social media can lead to feelings
of inadequacy, envy, and low self-esteem as individuals compare
their own lives to others.
b. Cyberbullying and Harassment: Social media platforms can
facilitate cyberbullying and harassment, causing emotional
distress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts in
affected individuals.
c. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): The fear of missing out on social
events, experiences, or trends that are showcased on social
media can contribute to anxiety and a sense of being left out.
d. Impact on Sleep: Excessive use of social media, especially
close to bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia
and negatively affecting mental well-being. This also leads to
poor academic performance.
e. Validation Seeking: Seeking validation through likes,
comments, and shares can create a dependence on external
affirmation, potentially impacting self-esteem and mental health.
f. Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction: Over-reliance on online
communication can reduce face-to-face social interactions,
potentially contributing to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
g. Misinformation and Anxiety: Exposure to false or misleading
information on social media can lead to heightened anxiety and
uncertainty, especially regarding health-related topics, including
mental health.
h. Addiction and Overuse: Social media addiction can lead to
compulsive usage, neglect of real-life responsibilities, and
withdrawal symptoms when not using social media, which can
have detrimental effects on mental health and overall well-being.

It's crucial to use social media mindfully, set boundaries, and


seek professional help if the negative effects are impacting
mental health. Balance and moderation in social media use are
key to mitigating potential harm while benefiting from the
positive aspects.

So essentially, it is extremely important to manage your time very well.


Being an IB student, it is imperative that I am able to manage my time.
That doesn’t only mean my studying schedule, but also things which I
do for myself, such as going to the gym, spending time with my friends
or just sleeping. It also means not just simply scrolling away on reels
but doing something productive such as reading or even going down
for a walk.

What is also important is managing extracurriculars. So


extracurriculars, such as clubs or projects aren’t just something to add
to your profile but also enhance your overall wellbeing. It helps you to
divert your time away from social media and get out into the real
world.

ACTIVITY #1

How can all of you limit social media usage? (on the board, give
few examples)

- Screen Time limits


- Plan an outdoor day
- Some other activities with friends without phones
- Mindfulness and journaling also to calm you down
- Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a
20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can
reduce eye strain and also discourage continuous social
media scrolling. Do this!
- Consider a Digital Detox: Take periodic breaks from social
media, ranging from a day to a week or more. Use this time
to disconnect completely, rejuvenate, and engage in
real-world experiences.

DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU.

Activity #2

Vision board - helps in goal setting, it's a creative and


interactive approach to explore the connections between their
digital lives, mental health, and future goals.

1. Intro
2. Canva
3. Brainstorming (3mins) - paper
4. Create the vision board (10 mins)
5. If anyone wants to share their vision boards (present)
6. Closing remarks

Your digital vision boards are not just creative expressions but a
commitment to a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with technology.
Your vision boards will serve as a constant reminder of your
commitment to balance. Embrace it, revisit it, and let it inspire you to
make the most of your day.

What would be the best way to implement your learnings from today?,
feedback and reflection.

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