It goes without saying that talking about mental health concerns is crucial. This is especially important in today’s highly competitive world where students are continually pushed to work more in order to attain their goals.

Unfortunately, in the middle of this intense pursuit, their mental health is sometimes overlooked. As a result, it is crucial that we teach them how to properly deal with setbacks and answer issues like: How can one persevere in their efforts even when they fall short of their goals? How can we handle repeated failures?

The most effective strategy to address these issues is to prioritize one’s mental health. To deal with everyday challenges, it’s crucial to train your mind. The sooner people start prioritizing a healthy mentality, the better for them.

Thus, in today’s blog, we will look at the importance of mental health awareness in schools & what proactive measures can be taken to make sure that no child gets affected. But first, let’s go through a few things related to Mental Health.

What Exactly Does Mental Health Mean?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a condition of mental well-being in which people may reach their full potential, effectively manage normal stress, work efficiently and contribute positively to their communities. It serves as the foundation for an individual’s general well-being and the effective operation of society.

Why Is Mental Health So Important?

Today, more than 450 million individuals suffer from mental illnesses. In fact, it is believed that by 2030, depression will rank as the second most common illness globally and the global mental health burden will far outstrip the treatment capacity of both developed and developing countries.

Thus to spare individuals from this worldwide burden while also treating mental diseases, there is a pressing need for providing mental health education.

How Can We Address Mental Health in Schools?

• Educate Parents and Students About Early Signs and Symptoms

When we speak of schools, it is crucial for everyone to understand the signs and symptoms of mental health issues so that they can assist individuals who are struggling.

For example, teachers could give a lecture on the importance of mental health awareness or display posters throughout the school as mental health check-in reminders.

Parents, on the other hand, may attend a mental health event to ask questions and learn about the importance of mental health for their kids.

The more mental health awareness is raised, the less people will have to suffer in silence.

• Build a Safe and Positive School Environment

Most schools may already have processes in place but they must focus more on improving the learning environment and creating a sense of safety and comfort.

They should recognize when kids make excellent choices such as assisting a classmate, demonstrating compassion for one another, or studying hard for an exam. Teachers may then contribute to a positive and supportive environment by recognizing acts of kindness.

• Encourage Social Time

Social time is essential for pupils to operate effectively and refresh their thoughts. Setting aside 30 minutes for pupils to socialize and focus on something other than the curriculum will assist them in making friends. This should be in addition to frequent break periods when students may talk with their peers about common topics, interests and current events or work on a task together.

What Does The Presidency International School Do to Increase Awareness?

At The Presidency International School, our educators provide students with the resources and assistance they need when it comes to mental health education.

Other than this, here’s how we raise mental health awareness in our school:

• We boost our kids’ self-esteem. Our teachers assist pupils in understanding that it is preferable to work on problems than to dwell on them and that certain setbacks are unavoidable thus it’s best to simply confront them.

• We help them gain self-confidence by encouraging effective decision-making, assertiveness, tenacity and self-determination.

• We encourage students to eat well and remain fit.

• We provide ways to ease worry and tension. This includes physical exercise, such as sports and meditation, as it helps reduce anxiety and stress and improves a student’s overall mental health.

• We advocate for school measures that assist mental health such as bullying prevention.

• We engage in open communication with honesty and without judgement which helps to initiate conversations with kids and determine whether they are in trouble.

Final Thoughts

As young pupils are severely affected by mental health concerns on a daily basis, raising mental health awareness in schools becomes extremely crucial.

In such scenarios, incorporating mental health education into the top schools in Dehradun can significantly improve students’ current and future well-being. Doing so is also a step toward respecting every student’s life and ensuring that no one is discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation or mental health.