IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION IN SCHOOL

School is often called the second home for children, a place that is very safe not just physically but also psychologically; a place that nurtures physical growth, academic growth and along with that the psychological growth. This is the place that identifies that children need much more than just being taught the academic, knowledge based subjects. More than information, our children need to develop holistically and that is what makes Sarvottam International School truly the best international school in Greater Noida West.

As a counselor with an experience of dealing with hundreds of children of all age groups, I urge the parents to look for some particular aspects while deciding a place for their children to study, learn and grow. Preventive measures – We all understand ‘ Prevention is better than cure” With the rising number of cases of mental health, issues like depression, anxiety, childhood trauma etc are real. Statistics show that about 9.8 million teenagers suffer from mental health issues and disorders and need active intervention which is not possible due to the lack of mental health professionals. As a leading school in Greater Noida West, Sarvottam looks up to identifying and addressing mental health issues, not just after they have set in but helping children way before the possibility of the onset.

Hence the wellness sessions create a sense of positivity and prepare the students to put up a fight against the battle pertaining to psychological issues for themselves and their peers. Awareness and acceptance- A lot of issues are ignored just due to lack of knowledge and information about them. The student or parent is not capable enough of identifying the need to reach out to a mental health professional. Thus the need of a wellness center at a school is imperative. The children and guardians must be able to identify and accept the fact the help is required and is available at an arm’s length.

Life skills training- Mental health education focuses on training students for life. Skills like empathy, coping skills, stress management and time management, dealing with emotions, adaptability and a lot more are to be talked about at school. Many times, parents and families do not understand the need and importance along with the structured process to undertake the same, thus the importance of mental health curriculum should be stressed upon in schools. Helping children become healthy adults is the onus of schools which have a great social infrastructure along with a physical one. Remove the taboo- Destigmatising mental health issues is the root cause of people not accepting and getting treated for the same. As children, young and vulnerable, coaching them to let mental health be a part of their regular conversation will help the nation get over the taboo of mental health issues.

Students as ambassadors of mental health, positivity and happiness quotient can certainly let the country reach a point where mental health will not be stigmatized anymore and treatment is welcome. Schools are certainly the best and the most appropriate place to initiate any conversation about mental health. Leading schools of the region must ensure this and become great places of learning for the Students.