Smash The Stigma - Leanna Dev

SMASH Approach: Self-Directed Online Curriculum

This self-directed online curriculum is designed to provide individuals a flexible, easy-to-follow path toward gaining knowledge, building resilience, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.

family member
student
young adult
someone struggling with mental health or substance use

Through interactive modules, reflective questions, worksheets, and handouts, this curriculum aims to empower you with tools and strategies to improve mental wellness and support others along the way.

Module 1: Understanding the SMASH Approach

Learn the foundational concepts behind the SMASH approach - Substance Use and Mental Health Awareness for Student-Athlete Health.

Module 2: Education—Knowledge is Power

Build your understanding of mental health challenges and substance use disorders.

Module 3: Self-Care and Coping Strategies

Learn practical strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges.

Module 4: Help-Seeking Behaviors

Break down the barriers to seeking help and learn how to advocate for your mental health needs.

Module 5: Prevention and Harm Reduction

Understand the importance of early intervention and strategies to reduce the risks associated with substance use.

Module 6: Building Strong Social Support Networks

Learn how to create and sustain a strong support network.

Module 7: Institutional Policy Strategies

Explore how changes at an institutional level can support mental health and substance use prevention.

Final Module: Taking Action and Moving Forward

Reflect on your journey through the curriculum and commit to ongoing learning and action.

A More Detailed Look At The Curriculum

Module 1: Understanding the SMASH Approach
- Lesson Content:
  1. Introduction to the Six Pillars of SMASH: Education, Self-Care, Help-Seeking, Prevention, Social Support, and Policy Change.
  2. What is mental health stigma and how does it prevent individuals from seeking help?
  3. Real-life stories of student-athletes, but relatable to anyone, showing the challenges of mental health and substance use.
Module 2: Education—Knowledge is Power
- Lesson Content:
  1. Mental Health 101: An overview of common mental health conditions and how they manifest.
  2. Substance Use Disorders: Understanding how substance use impacts the brain and body, and the long-term effects.
  3. Dual Diagnosis: What happens when mental health and substance use disorders overlap, and why this makes treatment more complex.
Module 3: Self-Care and Coping Strategies
- Lesson Content:
  1. Daily Self-Care Routines: Incorporating mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and relaxation techniques into your life.
  2. Building Emotional Resilience: Using techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to regulate emotions.
  3. Setting Boundaries: How to say “no” when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Module 4: Help-Seeking Behaviors
- Lesson Content:
  1. Breaking the Stigma: Overcoming cultural and personal barriers to asking for help.
  2. Steps to Seeking Help: How to reach out to friends, family, coaches, or professionals.
  3. Navigating Resources: Understanding the different types of mental health support available, such as counselors, therapists, and hotlines.
Module 5: Prevention and Harm Reduction
- Lesson Content:
  1. Prevention Strategies: How early intervention can prevent substance abuse and mental health crises.
  2. Harm Reduction: Practical strategies to reduce the risk of substance use without judgment, such as moderation techniques.
  3. Whole-Life Wellness: Introducing SAMHSA’s 8 Domains of Wellness to help participants achieve balance in their lives.

Module 6: Building Strong Social Support Networks
- Lesson Content:
  1. The Role of Peers and Mentors: How friends, family, and mentors can be invaluable in managing mental health and substance use challenges.
  2. Parental and Community Involvement: How to engage your community and family members in your mental health journey.
  3. Support Systems for Athletes: Exploring the unique pressures faced by student-athletes and how they can create a strong support system.
Module 7: Institutional Policy Strategies
- Lesson Content:
  1. Advocacy for Policy Change: How to advocate for changes in schools, workplaces, and communities to better support mental health.
  2. Implementing Mental Health Days: Learn about mental health days and how schools and workplaces can integrate them.
  3. Creating Stigma-Free Spaces: Discuss the importance of safe spaces where mental health issues can be discussed openly without judgment.
Final Module: Taking Action and Moving Forward
- Lesson Content:
  1. Sustaining Change: How to continue building on what you’ve learned to maintain your mental health and help others.
  2. Engaging in Ongoing Support: The importance of staying connected to support networks and continuing to seek help as needed.
  3. Your Role in Stigma-Free Communities: How you can play a role in creating a future where mental health and substance use are no longer stigmatized.

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