What Happens When We Don’t Talk About Mental Health?

 We already know that mental health is important. But let’s be honest — many people still ignore it.

They hide their feelings. They push themselves too hard. They tell others to “just deal with it.”
But what happens when we ignore our mental health?

Today, you’ll work together to explore the real effects, and express them using cause-and-effect connectors.

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Language Focus: Cause & Effect

Here are some connectors you’ll use to explain how one thing leads to another:

• Because

• So

• Due to

• As a result

• Therefore

• Since

• That’s why

• Leads to

• Causes

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Group Challenge:

Step 1: Brainstorm in Groups

In your group, talk about this question:
What happens when people don’t care about mental health — in school, at work, or in daily life?

Make a list of problems, effects, or situations that come to mind.

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Step 2: Build Cause–Effect Sentences

Use the connectors above to create 3–5 powerful cause-and-effect statements.

Example:
Because many people hide their emotions, they feel more alone.
Due to nonstop work, some students forget to take care of their health.
Stress leads to sleep problems and anxiety.
People don’t talk about mental health. That’s why the problem continues.

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Step 3: Create Something Together

Choose one creative format to present your group discussion:

• A mini poster with phrases and drawings

• A short skit or roleplay that shows the effects

•  A voice note or podcast-style recording

• A mini blog post 

Make sure your final piece uses at least 3 cause-and-effect connectors.

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Reflect Together

After sharing, talk about:

• What was the most interesting effect presented by your classmates? Why?

• Why do you think people still avoid talking about mental health?

• What small change could we all make to support each other more?