Table of Contents
How are students mental health affected by school?
Unfortunately, school itself can sometimes be a major stressor in a student’s life. A 2021 public health advisory issued by the U.S. Surgeon General identified bullying, academic pressure, and missing out on educational opportunities as just a few examples of how school affects mental health. Often the impact on engagement and concentration with academic studies can have a direct impact on attainment. Students facing mental health challenges may see a decline in their results or prove unable to respond effectively to the high-pressure expectations of exams and assignments. Untreated or inadequately treated mental illness can lead to high rates of school dropout, unemployment, substance use, arrest, incarceration and early death. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-34. Schools can play an important role in helping children and youth get help early. Mental distress among university students has been associated with several factors such as sex (i.e. female students reporting higher levels compared to males), lack of interest towards the field of study, not having close friends, never attending religious programs, conflict with friends, financial problems, family … Low school connectedness increases the risk (e5) for depressive symptoms, anxiety, violence, and bullying/mobbing whereas high school connectedness reduces that risk. A close social bond with fellow students further reduces the risk of developing mental health problems.
How can schools improve mental health?
Strengthen School Cultures Developing and enforcing anti-bullying policies. Training students and staff to prevent harm, such as with bystander intervention. Talking to students and families about mental health. Using inclusive language and behavior. Strengthen School Cultures Developing and enforcing anti-bullying policies. Training students and staff to prevent harm, such as with bystander intervention. Talking to students and families about mental health. Using inclusive language and behavior. To work on the prevention of mental health issues in young children, it is important to raise awareness about the problem and schools are one of the best places to start mental health awareness. The schools play a vital role in overseeing the mental balance and well-being of the kids to ensure happy and healthy growth. One of the essential roles of school and education is to protect boys’ and girls’ mental health as teenagers are at a high risk of mental health issues. It can also impair the proper growth and development of various emotional and social skills in teenagers. Many factors can cause such problems in children. One first step is through increased awareness of mental health and its impact on youth and families. However, most teachers receive little or no training on how to identify and understand mental health problems. As a result, most say that they do not feel prepared to address the mental health needs of their students.
What are some mental health issues in schools?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years. Examples include stress, anxiety, bullying, family problems, depression, learning disability, and alcohol and substance abuse. They are not equipped with the time, resources, or training necessary to give students with signs of mental health issues the unique attention they deserve. Moreover, mental health education is seldom part of the student’s curriculum, even though parents recognize the importance of the subject. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress are more common in undergraduates compared to age-matched peers. Mental ill health among students is associated with impaired academic achievement, worse occupational preparedness, and lower future occupational performance. While there are certainly growing concerns over other mental health issues affecting college students today, this article covers the prevalent issues of depression, anxiety, suicide, eating disorders and addiction.