13-year-old Aarav was always labeled as a ‘shy’ child. But the day he attempted suicide instantly revealed some alarming realities. He was depressed, and this state of mind gradually took a toll on his overall mental health.
This incident shocked the family. And also gave a message to all stakeholders LOUD AND CLEAR!
Teen mental health crisis (issues) is a REAL THING.
And it is much more than just feeling blue at times.
While the role of stakeholders is crucial in handling these issues!
The reality is quite disheartening. Many of us take these problems lightly. And also lack the right knowledge to identify or deal with these issues.
Join hands with us as we take up the importance of mental health to create awareness and help you gauge the need for an early intervention.
Let’s get started with this ACTION GUIDE right away.
Mental health for students
What is Mental Health?
To dig deeper into the issue, we must understand mental health why is it important for an individual. Experts include our social, emotional, and psychological well-being under the broad term ‘mental health and well-being’. For any individual, it determines the ability to make healthy choices, along with the capacity to handle everyday stress.
Before understanding, why is mental health important, let’s skim through some statistics.
Some Facts
Here’s some data from LAMIC (Low and middle-income countries):
Children and adolescents constitute 50% of the overall population.
Almost 50% of mental disorders begin before the age of 14 years.
The prevalence rate of child and adolescent mental disorders is almost 20% (worldwide).
LAMIC %
Ethiopia (East Africa) 17.70%
Bangladesh 15%
Urban Brazil 27.70%
Rural Brazil 7%
Puerto Rico 6.90%
percentage of adolescent mental disorders in different parts of the world
population constitued by kids and adolescents in low and middle income countries
Is India Any Better?
Unfortunately, NOT!
Some findings reveal:
13% of the Indian students grapple with emotional and behavioral conditions. While 51% had issues like anxiety, almost 5% were diagnosed with clinical depression.
The worst of all is our attitude towards mental health issues. Only 41% of the survey respondents felt the need to seek support while dealing with these challenges.
Mental health issues in students
percentage of survey respondents felt the need to seek support while dealing with these challenges
It’s time to get back to the main issue, why is mental health important, and what are the causes that lead to mental health issues in students?
Why Do Students Suffer from Poor Mental Health?
It is essential to learn about mental health and students and look for reasons behind a particular issue. In students, the below-mentioned factors can lead to student mental health challenges:
Traumatic experiences
Inadequate family support
Brain-related damage
Isolation
General/academic stress (parental expectations/peer pressure, etc.)
Genetic/Family history of mental health issues
Excessive use of the internet
Certain medical conditions
Use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, etc.
why do students suffer from poor mental health
What is the Importance of Mental Health for Students?
Mental health for students goes hand in hand with many other aspects of life. It can lead to struggles related to decision-making. In extreme cases, these problems can be aggravated through tendencies like self-harm, unprotected sexual behaviors, violence, suicide attempts, etc.
How Can We Address Online Student Mental Health Issues? (For Stakeholders)
Check the Social and Environmental Factors
The negative influences of socializing are like baggage that grows with time. Understand the importance of mental health, and keep a check on the company that your child keeps.
At times, it can also be on us.
Parental expectations, conscious (or unconscious) comparisons, and a toxic family atmosphere often lead to poor mental health and students start showing symptoms.
Online learners have an edge in spending more time with their families. Use this to your advantage and look for these signs carefully to plan an intervention ASAP.
Take Up Positive Parenting Practices
For homeschooling parents/caregivers, knowing why is mental health important is not enough. We need more parenting efforts to improve the student’s life experiences.
Utilize the buffer time that you enjoy with homeschooling/online schooling. Give the student enough time, and take a genuine interest in the happenings of his/her life.
Include sensitive topics like sexual behavior, substance use, and the associated risks. Be interactive and open to views from the other side.
Understand Student Mental Health Warning Signs
Knowledge is truly power in many ways. So go beyond mental health why is it important?
And understand when to raise an alarm.
Always cross any red flags, warning signs, and behavior clues with an expert. Do not wait for the student’s mental health and well-being to get back on track on its own. Turn on the action mode, and intervene without a second thought.
Connect with Others
In a world where we all acknowledge the importance of mental health, social connections, and virtual communities are a boon. Connect with like-minded individuals, and seek support to bring a positive change.
USE SEL – A Protective Factor Against These Risks
Social and emotional learning builds a safe environment that in turn fosters a sense of safety around an individual. Include the elements of SEL in the regular curriculum through activities, games, virtual resources, and hands-on learning. This will be your no-fail strategy to improve mental health and students will simultaneously learn to manage their emotions through self-awareness and regulation techniques.
Learn in detail about the ways of contributing to the social and emotional development of your child through this interesting article.
Importance of Mental Health for Students
Quick Tips for Improving the Mental Health of Online Students
In an online learning environment, the mental health of students is the best when they stick to schedules
Meditating every day is a great idea
It is important to set limits for using social media apps
Focus on nourishing the body with a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet
Encourage hobbies like dancing, aerobics, Zumba, etc. to stay active
Do not forget to spare some time for things that the student enjoys
Discuss student mental health-related issues without any judgment.Quick Tips for Improving the Mental Health of Online Students
Final Words
Today, there is an urgent need to acknowledge the importance of mental health and delink the fear of stigma from these issues. Teach your kids/students the importance of managing mental health for holistic living.
And take a pledge to eliminate these threats before they take a toll on the well-being of your students.
We conclude this article by going back to a simple message:
Life is a package, and we must learn to embrace both its positives and negatives.
So keep promoting student mental health and play your role in saving lives, THIS WAY WE BUILD A PROMISING FUTURE!
To learn about the most effective online schooling programs to keep mental health issues at bay. Please visit this page to know more.
Thanks for Reading!
