About This Lesson
My Life is Worth Living is a mental wellness and suicide prevention series produced by the Cook Center for Human Connection in collaboration with Wonder Media. Each episode models positive coping skills and positive mental wellness techniques. In the Resources tab, you'll find this episode in the following languages (in order): English, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Japanese.
Character Synopsis: Danny has experienced life-threatening physical trauma after a fire that happened in his home. Now that he is dealing with physical disability and visible physical difference, he is struggling greatly with his sense of self-worth. Before the accident, Danny was a music lover and a jokester, who loved messing with his little brother, Angel, of whom he was also highly protective. Since the accident, he’s lost interest in a lot of the things he used to love. He feels isolated from his now-distant peers and he feels guilty that his family has to see him struggling to adjust to his new life. With the support of his family and medical team, he is learning how to accept his new normal and openly communicate in hard times so that he stays safe and feels connected.
Episode Synopsis: Watching Angel shoot hoops at the park, Danny summons the courage to ignore his negative thoughts and play one on one with his brother. Walking to occupational therapy after, Danny feels normal for the first time in months – until some guys on the street mock his prosthetic hand. Danny quickly spirals into self-loathing and regret, remembering the relationships and activities that will never be the same again. Though he is despairing, Danny uses his safety plan to help himself cope, and when he finally arrives at Dr. Everton’s office, he asks her for the name of a therapist to talk to.
In each My Life is Worth Living lesson plan, you will find partner and class discussion prompts, writing prompts, a group activity, and a family resource. This lesson is appropriate for grades 6-12.
