The curriculum is designed to meet the developmental needs of 11-13 years old students and is delivered in the form of experiential, educational activities, and discussions, with the teacher as a guide and role model for students.
On My Mind is the result of intensive cooperation between foreign and Czech experts and stakeholders. The curriculum and teacher training was designed by combining principles and practices which align with the best practices to promote mental health and well-being in schools.
On My Mind is based on the following principles:
In developing the program and teacher training, we relied on evidence-based programs to promote mental health and well-being in schools. Mental health literacy is a necessary foundation for mental health promotion, prevention and care and has been shown to decrease stigma, facilitate help-seeking behaviors and early identification of mental health problems. Studies also show that promoting social and emotional competencies are essential aspects for increasing mental literacy and wellbeing.
On My Mind was developed by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health working group at the National Institute of Mental Health, Czech Republic. A group of stakeholders including individuals from governmental and education sectors, mental health experts, and youths were consulted in the development of On My Mind. Stakeholders were involved in drafting project aims and objectives, strategic planning, piloting of the teacher training, and developing lesson plans. The curriculum and teacher training has been further revised according to stakeholder feedback and suggestions provided by piloting teachers.
On My Mind aims to support young people in developing their full potential, building resilience, focusing on strengths and potential, facing and overcoming challenges, and stressors. Positive mental health literacy is a core component of the lessons and teacher training, which goes towards developing and maintaining mental well-being.
This program was developed to be integrated in diverse cultural, structural, and school contexts. It is best to implement the curriculum within existing frameworks, to ensure all 20 Lesson Plans are able to be implemented over the course of a school year. On My Mind encourages and supports schools and teachers towards ensuring successful implementation by providing context specific instructions and resources to inform the curriculum within the appropriate educational framework.
0
%
of mental health problems are established by the age of 14 and 75 % by the age of 24.3
