The world today is constantly evolving, presenting challenges that can be overwhelming and confusing for young people. Digital pressures, such as social media, combined with the demands of exams, are key factors contributing to rising levels of anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns among children.
Alarmingly, 90% of school staff have reported an increase in students struggling with mental health issues. This makes it crucial to educate and encourage children to prioritise their mental wellbeing. Our course on Mental Health Awareness is ideal for school staff looking to deepen their understanding of mental health issues and apply this knowledge in both their professional and personal lives.
Issues facing students today
There are many factors which may contribute to poor mental health affecting students mental health today.
Here are some of the reasons:
Exams can be an overwhelming pressure on students who fear poor grades could ruin their future prospects.
Social media platforms are evolving and present issues as teens compare themselves to others online.
Students who identify as LGBTQ+ often find it difficult to talk to their friends and family about the issues they may be facing. This may result in loneliness and depression as they try to deal with these problems alone.
The digital world that we live in means young people are spending less time outdoors and more time by themselves indoors. This could be affecting pupils’ mental health due to the impact of isolation.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health encompasses the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals, including any challenges or issues they may face. Mental health literacy is crucial for both educators and students to understand and manage mental wellbeing effectively. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being that allows people to navigate life’s stresses effectively.
Raising awareness about mental health is essential, particularly in schools, where fostering a positive environment can make a significant difference. Educators play a crucial role in this effort, as they are often the first to notice signs of mental health issues in students, making their awareness and understanding vital.
Definition of Mental Health
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It encompasses various aspects of an individual’s life, including their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Good mental health enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community. On the other hand, poor mental health can negatively impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Causes of Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders can have a wide range of causes, including genetic, environmental, and social factors. Some common causes of mental health disorders include:
Traumatic events: Experiences such as abuse or neglect can have a lasting impact on mental health.
Chronic stress and anxiety: Ongoing stress from various sources can lead to mental health issues.
Social isolation and loneliness: Lack of social interaction and support can contribute to poor mental health.
Lack of positive relationships: Strong social support networks are crucial for mental well-being.
Bullying or rejection at school: Negative experiences at school can affect a student’s mental health.
Difficulty adapting to home life: Challenges at home can contribute to mental health problems.
Societal pressures: The pressure to succeed academically or fit in with peers can be overwhelming.
Early onset: Mental health issues can develop in children as young as 10 and can be clinically diagnosed by age 14.
Lack of early intervention: 70% of children and young people don’t receive appropriate mental health support early in life.
Identifying Mental Health Issues
Signs of mental health issues can include big changes in energy levels, irritability, trouble concentrating, or pulling away from friends and family. Supporting mental health involves creating an environment where students feel safe and understood. Noticing shifts in behaviour or appearance can also be a sign that someone is struggling.
Mental health problems can stem from a variety of causes, including personal factors and environmental influences. It’s important to remember that everyone’s mental health is unique, and support should be tailored to each individual’s needs.
Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children and Young People
Mental health issues can manifest differently in children and young people. Some common signs of mental health issues in this age group include:
Drastic shifts in energy levels
Irritability or unexplained outbursts of anger
Difficulty concentrating on tasks or activities
Withdrawal from friends and family members
Avoiding social situations and extreme sensitivity to criticism
Concerns about body image
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Drastic shifts in mood or behaviour
Self-harming behaviours
Withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
The Impact of Mental Health on Education
Mental health plays a key role in young people’s mental health and overall well-being and success at school. Mental health issues affect millions of people worldwide, including both children and adults. In fact, one in five people live with a mental health condition, although many only seek help later in life. For high school students, mental illness can have a serious impact, with 60% not completing their studies.
Why Mental Health Awareness Matters
Mental health awareness is crucial for promoting positive mental health, reducing stigma around mental illness, and encouraging people to seek help when needed. By increasing mental health awareness, we can:
Promote positive mental health and well-being
Reduce stigma around mental illness
Encourage people to seek help when needed
Support mental health education and literacy
Improve mental health support and resources
Foster a culture of openness and understanding around mental health
Support young people’s mental health and well-being
Celebrate World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Week
Increase mental health awareness and promote positive mental health practices in schools and communities
By focusing on these areas, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone, particularly young people, as they navigate the challenges of growing up.
Creating a Supportive School Environment
Schools play a critical role in supporting student mental health by creating a safe, supportive environment that encourages open communication. By investing in comprehensive mental health services like counselling and support groups, and promoting mental health awareness, schools can help students develop positive attitudes towards learning and personal wellbeing. This approach not only supports individual students but also nurtures their emotional resilience and overall mental health.
Supporting Students with Mental Health Problems
Supporting students with mental health challenges requires a comprehensive approach. Professional support from doctors and psychologists, combined with school counselling services, provides crucial assistance.
Extracurricular activities like team sports, individual athletics, and performing arts clubs offer additional opportunities for students to build resilience and maintain positive mental wellbeing. This holistic strategy helps students navigate their challenges and reach their full potential.
Teacher Training and Support
Teacher training in mental health awareness is essential for identifying and supporting students’ psychological needs. By prioritising their own mental wellbeing, teachers can improve their classroom performance, attendance, and motivation, ultimately creating a more positive learning environment.
Recognising that a teacher’s mental health directly impacts their ability to interact effectively with students, the importance of self-care cannot be overstated. The Department of Education is supporting this initiative by offering a £1,200 grant to eligible state-funded schools and colleges in England to train and appoint a dedicated mental health lead, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive mental health support in educational settings.
Measuring Success
& Progress
Measuring success in mental health awareness is essential for schools to continually improve their support initiatives. By collecting data and feedback from students, teachers, and parents, schools can evaluate their mental health programmes and identify areas for enhancement.
Regular assessments allow educational institutions to adapt their strategies, ensuring they meet students’ changing needs. Celebrating successes reinforces the importance of mental health awareness and creates a positive cycle of ongoing support and improvement.
Breaking the Stigma
Breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness is essential for fostering a supportive school environment. Mental health awareness and education help challenge misconceptions and encourage students to seek help without fear of judgment.
By creating platforms for open dialogue, sharing resources, and leveraging events like Mental Health Day, schools can dismantle barriers and promote a more compassionate understanding of mental health. Importantly, celebrating and acknowledging successes can help reinforce the significance of mental health awareness, creating a positive cycle of support and continuous improvement within the school community.
Mental health awareness is essential for promoting positive mental health and supporting students with mental health problems. Schools play a critical role in supporting student mental health, and teachers can make a significant impact by prioritising their own mental health and wellbeing.
By promoting mental health awareness and education, schools can create a supportive environment that encourages students to seek help and promotes positive mental health. Increasing mental health awareness and support can lead to positive changes in schools and communities.
