Choices Teaching Kits

Teacher-approved stories, resources, and worksheets, courtesy of courtesy of Choices, the health and social-emotional learning magazine for grades 7–12.

A boy sitting down and staring at his lap sadly

Anxiety and Depression in Teens

The number of teens with anxiety disorders is steadily rising. Read the stories and coping strategies of real teens dealing with anxiety and depression.

Featured Teaching Kits

Teacher-approved stories, resources, and worksheets for teaching about anxiety and depression in your classroom, courtesy of Choices, the health and social-emotional learning magazine for grades 7–12 

"I Had Depression"

About one out of every five teens grapples with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional health issues—yet few talk about it. Meet three kids dedicated to changing that.

Read the Story
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article in your classroom
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Mental Health Advocacy
Students research advocacy groups for a mental health topic.
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Critical Thinking Questions
Students answer critical thinking questions about the article.
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Living With Anxiety

One in three teens has an anxiety disorder. Three students speak out about what it’s like to live with anxiety and how they cope. 

Read the Story
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article in your classroom
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Let’s Talk About It
Students create an advocacy camapaign.
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Daily Check-In
Students log their stressors and postive moments for one week.
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"We Are Here for You"

Most helplines are geared toward adults, but these teens are answering calls, chats, and texts when someone their own age needs to talk—and saving lives.

Read the Story
Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article in your classroom
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Empathy vs. Sympathy
Students answer questions about the article and video.
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Here For You
Students conduct research to find helpful organizations.
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Fighting for Mental Health Awareness

When Hannah felt hopeless, she wasn’t sure how to ask for help. Now she and her brother have created an app that makes it easier to reach out for support.

Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article in your classroom
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Lesson Plan
A step-by-step guide to teaching this article in your classroom
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It’s OK To Not Be OK
Students let their peers know that there is no shame in seeking help.
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It’s OK To Not Be OK
Students let their peers know that there is no shame in seeking help.
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Challenge The Stigma
Students research figures who speak up about mental health
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Challenge The Stigma
Students research figures who speak up about mental health
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Glossary

Terms and definitions that pertain to anxiety and depression

anxiety

[noun]

a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome

depression

[noun]

a mental condition characterized by feelings of dejection, inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep

stigma

[noun]

a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

[noun]

a range of behavioral disorders occurring primarily in children. Symptoms include poor concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsivity

 

PHOTO CREDITS 

LAURENCE MOUTON/PHOTOALTO/GETTY IMAGES (BOY LOOKING DOWN); "I Had Depression": NATHANIEL WELCH/REDUX FOR SCHOLASTIC INC.; Living With Anxiety: Drew Smith/AP Images for Scholastic, Inc"We Are Here for You": KAREN DUCEY/AP IMAGES FOR SCHOLASTIC, INC; Fighting for Mental Health Awareness: JOHN AMIS/GETTY IMAGES FOR SCHOLASTIC INC.