Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Mental Health” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Mental Health
1. What does mental health mean to you?
2. Why is mental health important?
3. Can you name some common mental health issues?
4. How does stress affect mental health?
5. What is the difference between feeling sad and depression?

II. Seeking Help
6. When should someone seek help for mental health issues?
7. Who can you talk to if you’re feeling mentally unwell?
8. What are some ways to get help with mental health?
9. Why might some people be afraid to seek help for mental health problems?
10. How can we encourage people to talk about mental health?

III. Support Systems
11. What role do friends and family play in mental health?
12. How important is community support for mental well-being?
13. What is a support group?
14. Can animals or pets help with mental health? How?
15. What can schools do to support students’ mental health?

IV. Coping Mechanisms
16. What are some healthy ways to cope with stress?
17. How can exercise impact mental health?
18. Why is sleep important for mental health?
19. Can you name some relaxation techniques?
20. How does expressing yourself creatively help with mental health?

V. Mental Health in the Workplace
21. Why should companies care about employees’ mental health?
22. What can employers do to promote mental health at work?
23. How can you manage work-related stress?
24. What is burnout, and how can it be prevented?
25. Should mental health days be allowed at work?

VI. Technology and Mental Health
26. How can technology affect mental health?
27. What are the benefits of teletherapy or online counseling?
28. Can social media have a negative effect on mental health?
29. What are digital detoxes, and why might they be beneficial?
30. How can apps help with managing mental health?

VII. Mental Health Awareness
31. Why is mental health awareness important?
32. How can we reduce the stigma around mental illness?
33. What is World Mental Health Day?
34. How can awareness help prevent mental health issues?
35. What can you do to raise awareness about mental health?

VIII. Nutrition and Mental Health
36. How does diet affect your mental health?
37. What foods are good for the brain?
38. Can vitamin deficiencies affect your mood?
39. How does hydration impact mental health?
40. What is the gut-brain connection?

IX. Substance Use and Mental Health
41. How can alcohol and drugs impact mental health?
42. What is addiction, and how does it relate to mental health?
43. How can we support someone struggling with substance abuse?
44. What is the role of rehabilitation in mental health recovery?
45. How does quitting smoking impact mental health?

X. Mental Health in Different Populations
46. How does mental health vary across different age groups?
47. Are mental health issues different for men and women?
48. How can we address mental health in marginalized communities?
49. What mental health issues are common among veterans?
50. How can we support the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals?

XI. Self-Care and Personal Growth
51. What is self-care, and why is it important?
52. How can setting boundaries improve your mental health?
53. What role does personal development play in mental health?
54. How can journaling help with mental well-being?
55. What is mindfulness, and how can it help?

XII. Global Mental Health
56. What are some mental health challenges faced globally?
57. How do different cultures view mental health?
58. What is the impact of poverty on mental health?
59. How can humanitarian efforts support mental health?
60. What future developments would you like to see in global mental health care?

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