DWINDLING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CLASSROOM: A GROWING CONCERN

ROSE ANN M. MANLULU

Mental health has always Eeen a crucial aspect of oYerall health, Eut it has Eeen thrust into the spotlight more than eYer Eefore in recent years. 7he &29,D pandemic has triggered a mental health crisis across the gloEe, with many people e[periencing heightened leYels of an[iety, depression, and stress. 8nfortunately, this crisis has also had a significant impact on children and young adults, particu larly in the classroom. ,n the past, mental health concerns in schools were often oYerlooNed or dis missed, Eut this is no longer the case. 7eachers and school administrators are now recogni]ing the importance of mental health and are taNing steps to address the issue. +oweYer, there is still much worN to Ee done. 2ne of the Eiggest challenges facing schools today is the dwindling mental health of Eoth teachers and students. 7eachers are under immense pressure to proYide Tuality education while also ensuring the safety and wellEeing of their students. 7his can lead to Eurnout, e[haustion, and a decline in mental health. 6tudents, on the other hand, are facing their own uniTue challenges. )rom social isolation to academic pressure, many students are struggling to cope with the demands of school. 7o address these concerns, schools must prioriti]e mental health as a Ney component of their educational programs. 7his can include proYiding resources and support for Eoth teachers and students, implement ing mental health education programs, and creating a culture of openness and acceptance surrounding mental health. 8ltimately, it is up to all of us to support the mental health of those in our communities. %y recogni]ing the importance of mental health in the classroom and taNing steps to address it, we can create a Erighter future for ourselYes and for future generations.

o2o

7he author is 7eacher ,, at MaEical (lementary 6chool