Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
Health and Wellness
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Health and Wellness
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Subject: Physical Education Health Elective
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 3
Grade code: 3.1.1.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 3.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.1.LI.3
Theme: Health Education
Subtheme: Health and Wellness
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As SHS 3 students, you are facing one of the most stressful periods of your life: preparing for the WASSCE, thinking about your future, and navigating friendships and family expectations. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, sad, or stressed at times. However, sometimes these feelings can become persistent and very serious, leading to a condition called depression. This lesson is not meant to scare you, but to empower you. We will learn to recognise the signs of serious emotional distress in ourselves and in our friends. More importantly, we will learn practical, healthy ways to cope with these feelings and how to be a source of help and hope for others.
(25 minutes)
This section is for direct instruction. The teacher should explain these concepts clearly, using the board and asking questions to check for understanding. Concept 1: What is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. Sadness is a normal human emotion that comes and goes. Depression (or Major Depressive Disorder) is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It is persistent, lasting for at least two weeks, and interferes with your ability to function at school, at home, or with friends. Analogy: Think of it this way: if you feel sad, it's like having a slight headache that goes away with rest. If you have depression, it's like having a severe, persistent migraine that makes it impossible to concentrate, eat, or enjoy anything. It is an illness of the brain and body, not a sign of weakness.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers: Emotional Signs: Persistent sadness, anxiety, or "empty" mood. Feeling hopeless or pessimistic. Irritability or anger (often more common in teens than sadness). Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed (e.g., no longer wanting to play football, listen to music, or hang out with friends). Feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Behavioural & Physical Signs: Changes in sleep: sleeping too much (hypersomnia) or too little (insomnia). Changes in appetite: eating too much or too little, leading to weight gain or loss. Noticeable drop in academic performance (grades falling). Withdrawing from friends and family. Unexplained aches and pains, like headaches or stomach problems, that don't get better with treatment. Fatigue or lack of energy. Concept 2: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms