The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers a variety of learning resources for students and teachers about mental health and the brain. Whether you want to understand mental health challenges, promote emotional well-being in the classroom, or simply learn how to take care of your own mental health, our resources cover a wide range of topics to foster a supportive and informed learning environment. Explore videos, coloring books, and hands-on quizzes and activities to empower yourself and others on the journey to mental well-being.
You can also find additional educational resources about mental health and other topics on NIH’s STEM Teaching Resources website .
Hello kids, meet Jane the Brain! This colorful new video series from NIMH introduces kids to Jane, our super-smart and friendly animated character, who helps kids understand and cope with big feelings like stress, frustration, and sadness.
Childhood Irritability: Learn about symptoms of irritability, why it's important to study irritability, NIMH-supported research in this area, and new treatments for severe irritability in youth.
Get to Know Your Brain: Your brain is an incredible and complex organ! It helps you think, learn, create, and feel emotions, and it controls every blink, breath, and heartbeat. Learn more about the parts of the brain and what each area helps control.
NIMH Deputy Director Dr. Shelli Avenevoli Discusses the Youth Mental Health Crisis: Learn about youth suicide, the effects of technology and the pandemic on the developing brain, and tips for supporting the mental health of youth.
Getting to Know Your Brain: Dealing with Stress: Test your knowledge about stress and the brain. Also learn how to create and use a “stress catcher” to practice strategies to deal with stress.
Print or order these coloring and activity books to help teach kids about mental health, stress, and the brain. These are available in English and Spanish.
This free coloring and activity book introduces kids to the exciting world of mental health research.
This free coloring and activity book teaches children about stress and anxiety and offers tips for coping in a healthy way.
This free coloring and activity book for children ages 8-12 features exciting facts about the human brain and mental health.
Use these fun, hands-on activities in the classroom or at home to teach kids about mental health.
Engage students in fun and interactive competition as they learn about depression, stress and anxiety, self-care, and how to get help for themselves or others.
Life can get challenging sometimes, and it’s important for kids (and adults!) to develop strategies for coping with stress or anxiety. This printable stress catcher “fortune teller” offers some strategies children can practice and use to help manage stress and other difficult emotions.
Below is a selection of NIMH brochures and fact sheets to help teach kids and parents about mental health and the brain. Additional publications are available for download or ordering in English and Spanish.
This fact sheet presents information on children’s mental health including assessing your child’s behavior, when to seek help, first steps for parents, treatment options, and factors to consider when choosing a mental health professional.
Learn about how the teen brain grows, matures, and adapts to the world.
