Why Mental Health Should Be Taught in School
A student's achievements and their mental wellness go hand in hand. A child's mental health affects their social, emotional, and behavioral development. 1 in 6 kids (6-17) in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder each year, so why aren't we talking about mental health in schools?
Aside from their own home, young people spend most of their time at school. This provides the perfect opportunity for students and educators to learn about mental health problems and mental disorders.
Related: 3 Ways to Check In On Your Mental Health Before School
Identify Problems Early On
The balancing act of schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and the ambiguity of the future take its toll, and student's stress and anxiety levels show no signs of slowing down. An estimated 31.9% of adolescents have an anxiety disorder. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-14, and the third leading cause of death among ages 15-24. Of U.S. youth, 20.17% of kids ages 12-17 experience at least one major depressive episode per year. The question becomes, how can we prevent these numbers? If kids learn about mental health in school, they can spot problems in themselves and their friends. Teachers can also better understand if a student is struggling. Identifying negative thought patterns and feelings early on can help kids better understand what their triggers are and how to cope. Think of it this way: if your child is experiencing symptoms of the flu, you don't ignore them and hope they go away. You provide them with the tools to get better, such as a visit to the doctor, better sleep, more water, and healthy food options. This is how we combat the negative effects of mental health: we provide kids with the understanding of what they are experiencing, and then we show them the tools for improvement. Related: How Anxiety & Panic Can Feel in the BodyBreaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
While conversations about mental health have become more common, stigma continues to be a barrier. The lack of open discussions about mental health often leads to shame and silence. One of the most effective ways to reduce this stigma is to address it with younger generations. Schools can create an open, supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their mental health struggles. When teachers approach the topic of mental health in a respectful, non-judgmental way, students are more likely to find the courage to open up. This empowers them to reach out to a trusted adult, whether it's a family member, teacher, or friend, when they need help.
Related: The 'Stupid Mental Health' Walk TrendHow Schools Can Support Mental Health
There are several ways schools can actively support students’ mental well-being, starting with creating a culture that encourages mental health discussions and support. Here are a few steps schools can take:- Encourage students to express how they are feeling
- Teach coping strategies for managing stress and emotions
- Incorporate self-care practices into the school day, such as mindfulness and deep breathing exercises
- Educate students on recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
- Promote physical health and its connection to mental well-being
- Set up a referral system to ensure students who are struggling get the support they need
