Why Mental Health Should Be Taught in School
Mental wellness and student achievement go hand in hand. A child's mental health affects their social, emotional, and behavioral development. Since 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, it makes sense that mental health should be taught in school.
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 pressures of the future take its toll, and student stress and anxiety levels show no signs of slowing down. An estimated 31.9% of adolescents have an anxiety disorder. Lack of confidence, fear of failure, and social anxiety are a few of the issues that can arise when mental he Mental wellness and student achievement go hand in hand. A child's mental health affects their social, emotional, and behavioral development. Since 20.17% of U.S. youth ages 12-17 experience at least one major depressive episode per year, it makes sense that mental health should be taught in school. Health is left unchecked. 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. The question becomes, how can we prevent these numbers? Kids today have a lot on their plates. Schoolwork, sports, and other activities can be stressful. Some kids feel worried, scared, or sad. This can make it hard to focus and learn. One way to help is to teach kids about mental health. 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. Finding problems early helps kids get the help they need to feel better and do their best. 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
