“STRATEGIES FOR WEAVING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS INTO EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES”

CAMILLE Y. LAXAMANA

Many mental health issues that today's students deal with can have an impact on both their general well-being and academic achievement. Over the lifespan, mental health has an impact on social, academic, and economic results and is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being. Being in good mental health makes it easier to function, cope, and thrive in social situations. It is a fundamental human right. There is a wide range of experiences when it comes to mental health, from being in an optimal state of wellbeing to suffering from serious mental health issues that have a significant impact on one's ability to go about everyday tasks.

By creating and implementing school-based mental health and psychosocial support policies that are informed by students' needs, voices, and capacities, as well as by integrating mental health literacy and social and emotional learning into the curricula from early childhood through adolescence, it can create an enabling learning environment for positive mental health and well-being. Building a supportive school climate is required to incorporate mental health awareness into educational procedures. Make sure teachers and students have easy access to mental health resources, like counseling services. Create a mental health policy for the entire school that takes into account everyone's needs. Encourage kindness, respect, and inclusivity in order to foster a school climate that supports mental health. Educate teachers and staff on how to identify mental health issues and how to respond appropriately. Provide activities and programs that support behavioral, emotional, and social learning. Include mindfulness exercises in the curriculum to assist pupils in reducing their stress and anxiety. To establish a network of support, involve parents and the larger community in mental health efforts. By putting these techniques into practice, educational institutions may foster a culture in which mental health is valued as an essential component of learning, benefiting both students and the whole school community.

-oOoThe author is Teacher I at Betis National High School