Big Feelings – Understanding Anxiety, Overthinking & Asking for Help (4-Lesson KS3/4 PSHE / SEMH Unit)

Help students understand how anxiety works, why worries can grow, and what they can do to break the cycle before it becomes overwhelming.

This practical and engaging four-lesson unit gives students the knowledge and confidence to recognise anxious thinking, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthy coping strategies and know when and how to ask for help.

Using relatable real-life scenarios, discussions and interactive activities, students learn that thoughts are not always facts, everyone needs support sometimes, and small actions can make a big difference to their wellbeing.

Lessons Included

Lesson 1 – Understanding Anxiety

What anxiety is and why we experience it
Recognising physical, emotional and behavioural signs
Understanding the fight, flight and freeze response

Lesson 2 – Why Won’t My Brain Stop Thinking?

Overthinking and worry spirals
Thinking traps and cognitive distortions
Becoming a Thought Detective
Challenging anxious thoughts with evidence

Lesson 3 – Breaking the Worry Cycle

Helpful and unhelpful coping strategies
Grounding techniques and calming strategies
The Calm Cycle
Building a personalised Worry Toolbox

Lesson 4 – Asking for Help

Knowing when to ask for support
Trusted adults and support networks
Starting difficult conversations
Helping friends safely and appropriately

What’s Included
4 full PowerPoint lessons
Matching student workbooks
Real Talk discussion scenarios
Retrieval practice and vocabulary activities
Reflection and Exit Ticket assessments
Printable challenge worksheets
Independent, paired and group activities
Full lessons ready to teach
Teacher guidance and assessment

Perfect for KS3 or KS4 PSHE, Emotional Wellbeing, Mental Health, SEMH, Tutor Time and Personal Development, this unit has been designed for busy teachers and works well with mixed-ability classes in mainstream schools.

Students leave the unit with practical strategies they can use in everyday life, greater confidence in managing worries, and a clearer understanding of where to find support when they need it.