Mental Illness Investigated: The Science of Mental Illness
This lesson explores the biological and neurological basis of mental illness. Using a multi-section video ("Understanding the Biology of Mental Illness"), students learn about neurons, brain function, and how disruptions in brain networks and neurochemical messengers underpin mental ill health. PET scan evidence is introduced to show that mental illness produces observable physical changes in the brain — directly challenging the idea that it is "all in the mind".
Learning Outcomes
Outcome 1:
Define mental health and mental illness
Outcome 2:
Understand that mental health is a spectrum and illustrate this with examples
Outcome 3:
Explain the brain's role in keeping us mentally healthy
What's included
A quick look at the classroom-ready resources that come with this lesson.
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Contributing Experts
People who helped produce this lesson.
Dr Pooky Knightsmith
Pooky Knightsmith is proudly autistic, with a PhD in Psychological Medicine from the Institute of Psychiatry, and a parent to neurodivergent children. She translates research into clear, practical strategies for schools and families—no jargon, just ideas you can use tomorrow. Things to Know About Pooky:
- I’m unapologetically autistic and have a history of mental health challenges: My courses come from lived experience, not just theory.
- I’ve got a PhD in Psychology: Expect evidence-based tips—no jargon, just clear, practical ideas.
- I’m a parent to neurodivergent children: I know firsthand what really makes a difference at home and in the classroom.
- I’m happiest riding through forests on the back of a tandem: Nature keeps me grounded—and that calm and wonder carries into all of my work.
- Great adults helped Little Pooky find her way: Now my mission is to empower a new generation of amazing adults to support the Little Pookys in your world.
Lucy Bailey
Lucy Bailey is Founder of Bounce Forward and Healthy Minds for Parents. With two decades of experience in mental resilience and emotional wellbeing, and training 1000s of teachers, parents and other adults around children and young people. Lucy is proud of her early career in youth work and children services. Lucy had a poor experience of school and that has driven her passion to influence UK policy to form a positive system of change with psychological fitness at the core. Lucy has directed national research projects (including the Healthy Minds five year study), is certified by University of Pennsylvania, has an MSc in Practice Based Research, a BSc in Social Policy and Criminology, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education. Her published book Raise Resilience: Teach your teenager well has led to the creation of the Psychological Fitness Nana bridging old school wisdom with modern psychology for parents of the 21st century.
About the Organisation
Bounce Forward is a registered charity on a mission to transform how we think about mental health, shifting the narrative from deficit and crisis to strength, prevention, and psychological fitness. They create evidence-based programmes, curricula, and training that give young people, school staff, and the adults around children the knowledge, language, and daily habits to build genuine mental resilience. From whole-staff training to five-year school curricula, everything they do is practical, grounded in science, and designed to make a lasting difference not just in the moment, but across a lifetime.