Importance of mental health awareness in schools
“Children are not problems. They have problems. Focus on helping your child, not fixing your child.” – L.R. Knost
“Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged
10-14” (National Council for Mental Wellbeing).
Further, and perhaps a number that hits closer to home, is the fact that
“[t]he World Health
Organization estimates that close to 20%, or one in five students, are actively dealing with a mental health issue”
(Netsweeper). We often think of students’ mental health in a reactive format; in other words, society focuses on mental health support and implementing changes after a trauma situation has occurred. “Early treatment is effective and can help young people stay in school and on track to achieving their life goals. In fact, the earlier the treatment, the better the outcomes and lower the costs. Unfortunately, far too often, there are long delays before children and youth get the help they need.” (NAMI). By approaching students’ mental health from a proactive vantage point, we can work together as parents and guardians, educators, community, members, and other stakeholders to have open and meaningful dialogue with students before trauma situations occur, or in smaller but equally meaningful level, before even one student falls behind due to mental health issues. By integrating behavioral changes on behalf of adults including mental health discussions in the classroom, we can better equip students with the tools and strategies that may enhance their own self-care, self-awareness, and mindfulness.
So, what can we as these parents and guardians, educators, community members, and other stakeholders do to increase awareness of and improve student mental health? First, as a parent or guardian, it is important to watch for changes to your child’s behavioral patterns, sleep, habits, and diet, which requires being present enough to be aware of their normal patterns. Familiarizing yourself with available resources, communicating with your child frequently about their thoughts and feelings, being aware of who your child spends time around that could positively or negatively impact your child’s well-being, and using positive affirmation language (e.g. body positive words, self-talk, and kindness statements) with your child are all small steps that can make a lasting impact on your child’s mental health now and as they grow. Lastly, having open communication with your child’s caregivers, including educators, doctors, co-parents, grandparents, and others, and being willing to contact a provider should you decide that your child or family would benefit from mental health services are proactive measures that parents, and guardians can take to prevent an issue from worsening. Be being willing to shift your mindset in order to become conscious of positive parenting, available mental health resources, and awareness of your child’s well-being, educators, and parents together can continue to intervene with children earlier and make a larger impact on their future academic and social success.
Positive Parenting Phrases
Instead of:
“Don’t think about that too much”
“You worry too much”
“You’re okay.”
“It’s not that hard.”
Try:
“What is making you feel this way?” “I understand you are feeling ___. Let’s talk about it.”
“How are you feeling?”
“You can do hard things.”
Mental Health Resources:
UAMS Arconnect: 501-526-3563 or 800482-9921
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Arkansas Crisis Center 1(888) 274-7472
School Counselor, School Social Worker
Sources:
7 Ways to Promote Mental Health Awareness in Schools. July 2021. Netsweeper. https://www.netsweeper. com/blog/2021/07/13/7-ways-to-promotemental-health-awareness-in-schools-2/
Mental Health First Aid. National
Council for Mental Wellbeing. 2022. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ population-focused-modules/schools/
Mental Health in Schools. National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/advocacy/policypriorities/improving-health/mental-healthin-schools
Elizabeth-ann “Liz” Lee is a native of Bryant but has resided in northwest Arkansas for the past 10 years. Currently, she is an elementary resource teacher at Lowell Elementary in Rogers teaching special education students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Lee is a 2021-2022 Arkansas State Teachers Association Advocacy Fellow.