First-aid kit for difficult emotions

Students create a personal first-aid kit of ways to deal with stress and sadness, and a list of places to seek help.

Steps

1. Conversation: mental health is as important as physical health; everyone feels bad sometimes.
2. Students write down what helps them on a bad day (movement, music, talking, sleep, nature).
3. Everyone prepares a box or envelope with cards containing their methods.
4. Together you write down who you can turn to: parent, homeroom teacher, school counselor, youth helpline 116 111.
5. Finally, a short breathing exercise.

Tip: Warn the school counselor about the classes; someone might want to talk afterwards.

Materials needed

• White envelopes (1 per student)
• Coloured notes (1 pack)