You may have heard of the increase in efforts to incorporate mental health services in schools, but you may also wonder what that really means. What is school mental health exactly? School mental health refers to the services and support that work to address the mental health needs of students while also improving the learning environment.
Academic performance and mental health are correlated and linked. In the United States, more than 40% of students feel persistently sad and hopeless, and the numbers rise every year. Finding ways to help children and teens address mental health concerns is vital.
Mental health concerns affect all aspects of a student’s life, from their physical health to the way they perform in school. Students who struggle with concentration issues because of anxiety or depression or those who can’t find the energy to study or participate in class will have a much harder time doing well in school.
To address these problems, it’s important for school officials to adopt mental health initiatives that encourage students to understand what mental health concerns they may face and what to do about them.
Understanding School Mental Health
Mental health in an educational setting focuses on the impact that emotional, psychological, and social well-being have on academic progress.
Emotional aspects of well-being refer to the ability to produce positive thoughts, feelings, moods, and feelings, while also being able to adapt when confronted with adversity. Psychological well-being refers to experiencing self-acceptance and autonomy, as well as having a purpose and meaning in life.
On the other hand, social well-being is the ability to make and maintain healthy relationships and to have meaningful interactions with others.
A student who struggles with any of these can have a harder time concentrating and may experience lower energy levels. Mental illnesses can affect a student’s cognitive ability and even their brain development, making it difficult for them to complete tasks — which then affects their self-esteem.
Mental Health Challenges in Schools
Some of the most common concerns students face are depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, and attention issues.
Depression is a mood disorder that negatively affects how students feel, think, and act. It can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as well as lead students to no longer be interested in the activities they used to love. It is different from grief and bereavement, however, and can lead to feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
Anxiety disorders refer to issues that make a student feel extreme fear and worry about everyday problems. Some students also experience social anxiety, which makes them very afraid of social situations of any kind. Stress can also affect mental health and can many times lead to the development of an anxiety disorder.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and behavior-related challenges are also common. As many as 23.3% of all students between the ages of six and 17 have an ADHD diagnosis. These conditions make it difficult for students to concentrate or complete their tasks on time.
Despite the prevalence of mental health concerns, stigma still surrounds talking about them. Children and teens may be afraid of being made fun of by classmates or being labeled as “weird” or “crazy.” Finding ways of changing the view that people, especially children and teens, have of mental illness is crucial.
Creating a Supportive School Environment
One of the first necessary steps of a school mental health initiative is to foster a more inclusive and compassionate school environment. When students can engage with one another more readily, they can learn empathy and compassion.
It’s also helpful to encourage open communication on what mental health is and what struggling with mental illness can be like. Educating students on the basics, including how mental illness affects the brain and why some people are predisposed to dealing with these conditions, can take a lot of the mystery out of the conversation.
Implementing School-Based Mental Health Programs
Students should be able to get help at their school when they need it. Many students don’t have access to this kind of assistance in their communities, so offering education and guidance in an environment they know can be ideal.
At the school, students can benefit from learning about emotional intelligence and self-awareness. This can make it easier for them to notice changes in themselves and others that could point toward mental health concerns.
Additionally, a school should offer support and tools students can turn to for dealing with stress and the various other challenges they may face.
Supporting School Staff
School staff should also receive training on mental health and what signs of a struggling student can look like. Teachers and all other staff members should know what to do in a mental health crisis.
Involving Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians need to receive education on mental health as well, while also encouraging an open conversation about mental illness. This helps to create a partnership between the school and the parents and offers tools for parents to be able to help their children at home.
Assessing and Monitoring School Mental Health
Mental health initiatives require regular evaluation to remain effective. It’s critical to monitor and assess them on a routine basis to see if they are still offering the help that students need.
Collecting feedback from parents, students, and staff members can help school officials get a sense of what works and what doesn’t so that any adjustments to the initiatives can be made.
Putting a Focus on School Mental Health
What is school mental health’s potential impact? School mental health initiatives can make a significant difference in a student’s life. By being able to reach out for help, they can have a better chance of achieving not only academic success, but also mental well-being.
With collaboration between parents, teachers, students, and the community, all of this is possible. At Rachel’s Challenge, we’re dedicated to helping schools and communities create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. Book an event with Rachel’s Challenge to achieve this goal in your community, or donate to take action today.
