This article focuses on the following UN Sustainable Development Goal:
Mental health education has become a major concern for schools all around the world. With mental health visibility on the rise, and an endless amount of discussions surrounding it, people have turned to education establishments to tackle these issues in their learning environments. Students need to understand when to seek assistance, and without this knowledge, they may fail to seek assistance when required. The importance of mental health is comparable to that of physical health. Although it is not visible to the naked eye, a mental health disorder can have significant consequences for a person's life and well-being. Schools must raise awareness about mental health concerns in order to concentrate on prevention. The importance of mental health education in schools cannot be overstated. Here is a closer look at why schools should start promoting mental health awareness.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in every five individuals seem to have a mental condition or disease. Although the average age for early indicators of mental illness is 14, most people do not seek assistance until they are adults. The fact that 60% of high school students with mental illnesses do not graduate emphasises the gravity of the situation. Depression, in particular, is expected to become one of the biggest health issues in the future. The World Health Organization states that depression affects almost 300 million patients of all backgrounds. Given the prevalence of childhood and teenage mental health illnesses, it is important that we do not teach our children about mental health.
Undiagnosed, improperly treated, or untreated mental illness can significantly impact a student's capacity to study and thrive. It can result in poor coping mechanisms and, in the worst-case scenario, suicide.
The deconstruction of stigma and misinformation about mental illness must begin in the classroom. School is the primary social environment in the life of most adolescents. It is where teenagers develop their sense of identity and self-worth. It is also where youngsters must learn that their behavior toward others can lead to significant self-esteem disorders. Many adolescents face disagreements, bullying, and social isolation at school. Mental health awareness and education should be included in the education curriculum like physical education are. Students spend the majority of their time in school. We must educate them with information regarding mental illness.
Raising mental health awareness in schools is critical, as many young people struggle daily with mental health issues. They want a dependable structure and a source of information to lead them through the process of coping with their inner concerns. Schools must lead the way in making changes and enlisting as many people as possible, including students, teachers, and other school personnel, to promote mental health awareness. Begin with yourself and make a difference in your school today.
Remember, change starts with you.
Citations
McLean, J. (2020, September 26). Why Mental Health Education in schools is so important? The Doctor Weighs In. Retrieved October 27, 2021, from https://thedoctorweighsin.com/mental-health-education-schools/.
Mental health by the numbers. NAMI. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2021, from https://www.nami.org/mhstats.
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