Maintaining good mental health is crucial for every individual, with heightened significance for students. The demanding academic environment and challenges in personal growth and social interactions underscores the need to prioritize mental well-being—encompassing emotional, psychological, and social dimensions—impacting thoughts, feelings, and actions. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes students’ mental health for holistic development, instilling qualities and life skills aiding growth and sustainable development. Recognizing its importance as a precursor to optimal performance, childhood and adolescence in school shape long-term mindsets toward well-being and lifestyle choices.
Students acquire social and emotional skills, knowledge, and behaviors in various school spaces, fostering adaptability, adjustment, and resilience, setting patterns for lifelong mental and physical health management. As students transition from middle to secondary stages, significant changes in social and school contexts, including academic skills, personal independence, social interactions, peer relationships, and career concerns, impact roles, responsibilities, and emotional well-being.
Mental well-being is interconnected with physical, social, and emotional health; compromising any aspect affects the others. Reasons for poor mental health among students include bullying, peer pressure, family issues, toxic relationships, lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Academic pressures, competition, and fear of failure contribute to stress and depression, leading to feelings of worthlessness.
Some ideas on how we can help our students are:
Give students the confidence to speak up – without negative repercussions, they may be more willing to share what is happening in their lives.
Promote positive self-esteem – remind them of their unique qualities and encourage them to like themselves.
Encourage students to practice mindfulness – having them focus on mindful activities will help with point number two.
Teach the importance of good nutrition – it’s not just about losing weight or training for a race. Good food helps maintain good health, mental and physical health!
Encourage students to exercise daily – many people have improved their moods following regular exercise sessions.
Teach students how to set realistic goals – this will give them confidence that they can do anything they want with hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
The promising environment at school - A nurturing environment that encourages students to express themselves and grants them freedom of expression. It allows students to be more confident in their ideas and cope with stress and physical activity. We firmly believe such an environment can produce more innovative and creative students.
Involve parents and teachers in the learning process - Parents and teachers bring different perspectives to the table. Our teachers spend many hours working with individual children and can provide insight into a child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Good mental health contributes to well-being, enabling students to develop and maintain strong relationships, cope with life’s challenges, and succeed. Raising awareness and providing support through counselling and peer groups are vital steps in breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health struggles.
Lauren Fogel Mersy emphasizes the importance of being one's true self, stating, “All stress, anxiety, depression is caused when we ignore who we are and start living to please others.”
Recognizing inner strengths is essential for maintaining well-being.
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