FOSTERING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

ABEGAIL M. ALVARADO

Teachers must be mentally healthy in order to perform well most especially in her teaching level. Mental health includes one’s psychological, emotional, and social being. It is an important aspect because it affects how we think, feel and act. It is helpful in identifying how we handle stress, deal with others and make healthy choices and decision.

In today’s generation, people are becoming so preoccupied with academic success that the well-being of the learners is frequently neglected and disregarded. Not to mention that ignoring the importance of mental health can diminish the learners’ potential. Problems with mental health can have a big influence on a learner's capacity to absorb and remember things especially the lessons in the classroom.

Mental health issues like anxiety and depression can make it difficult for a person to focus that makes it harder for them to connect with the subject and participate fully in class. Therefore, raising mental health awareness in educational institutions is essential to eradicate the stigma surrounding it. Educating teachers and learners the warning signals of mental health problems can aid in early detection and management. Schools may become more welcoming and friendly places if they will offer support and give services to individuals who are experiencing mental health issues. Incorporating mental health education to the curriculum will surely give learners and teachers a strong coping mechanism. It will help them to become resilient and will allow them to develop strategies for self-care.

-oOoTHE AUTHOR IS TEACHER III AT DOLORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL