7 Ways to Support Your Student’s Mental Health

Our whole physical and mental wellness are interdependent. But regrettably, it’s frequently disregarded or undervalued. To foster a secure and encouraging learning environment for our pupils, educators must recognise the significance of mental health. To help with this, here are 7 tactics you may implement at your school to enhance mental health.

1. Encourage healthy self-image and body image

There are various methods by that schools can promote self-worth. Creating a welcoming learning atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes is one method to achieve this. By complimenting students’ efforts rather than just their accomplishments, teachers can also help them feel proud of themselves.

The thrill that comes with starting something new and the goal-setting we do during that excitement are its best features (ER, 2020). Students can feel better about themselves by engaging in cooperative learning activities in the classroom rather than competitive ones. Schools can also encourage positive body image by stressing the value of exercise and nutrition to kids and preventing bullying related to weight and diets.

2. Impart knowledge about stress management

According to a recent study, 49% of high school pupils surveyed said they experience “a great lot of stress” every day! (Clark, 2022) What can schools do, then?

Starting with the curriculum, schools can introduce students to stress management techniques by including mindfulness and relaxation activities. Students might be encouraged to discuss their pressures freely and acquire coping mechanisms for them. If students are stressed out about their assignments, they can also simply hire best website for assignment writing for better help.

Teachers could try teaching pupils about the symptoms of stress on the body (e.g., tight muscles). Additionally, you might inquire if they have experienced any changes in their appetite, sleeping habits, or other symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. Encourage pupils to avoid reading too much into other people’s actions, including their own. Teachers can accomplish this by providing a safe environment for children to be silly and genuine.

3. Promote outdoor education

Due to the opportunity for kids to exercise, breathe fresh air, and receive sunlight, outdoor lessons are crucial to maintaining students’ mental health in the classroom. Additionally, clean air is necessary for healthy health. Vitamin D, required for healthy bones, is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. Get outside so you can all enjoy the sunshine. Students must hire services like strategy assignment help and let them worry about their work and rest.

4. Encourage the study of emotional literacy

“A process through which one expands one’s knowledge of reading and writing to grow one’s thinking and learning to know oneself and the world,” according to Encyclopedia.com, describes literacy education.

Numerous studies have revealed a direct correlation between increased mental health outcomes and literacy instruction. People that are educated in literacy are better able to comprehend their surroundings. It enables people to digest information more efficiently, come to wise conclusions, and express their thoughts and feelings with clarity.

Education in literacy also aids in boosting confidence and self-worth. It teaches kids that anything they set their minds to, they can learn and do. In the end, literacy instruction gives people the power to take charge of their life and realise their full potential. One study from the National Library of Medicine found that participants’ mental health considerably improved after learning about mental health/illnesses and positive behaviours both immediately after the session and even three months later.

5. Encourage a sense of community and belonging at school

The mental health of a person can be significantly improved by a sense of community and belonging. It’s the only thing that prevents some students from descending into a severe melancholy or anxiety spiral. Our lives have purpose and significance when we feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves; these things can be extremely important for our emotional health.

The advantages are much larger when we are physically connected to other individuals since we can speak with genuine people who can relate to what we’re going through. In one study by the University College of London, it was discovered that many of the student participants’ descriptions of a sense of belonging made mention of their emotional well-being.

6. Give students access to a school counsellor, social worker, or psychologist for mental health care.

Support for mental health in education can contribute to a positive atmosphere. Did you know that mental illness, which is on the rise among young people nationwide, is a substantial risk factor for suicidal behaviour? Suicide is the second most common cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 34, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). When it comes to creating safe spaces for all of its kids, even those who may not feel like they belong there due to personal circumstances or those going through other sorts of trauma, schools need all the assistance they can get.

Think about establishing a safe area for students, regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc., and increasing funding for mental health specialists.

7. Teach teachers how to recognise and assist pupils who could be experiencing mental health problems.

Depending on the teacher’s background, expertise, and teaching philosophy, there are several approaches to training instructors to teach mental health. However, the following broad pointers can help prepare teachers to teach mental health:

provide a fundamental overview of prevalent mental diseases and mental health. This can assist establish a solid knowledge base for teachers so they can feel more at ease discussing these subjects with their pupils.

providing instructors with training on specific methods they might employ when speaking with their kids about mental health. Some approaches might involve relaxation exercises or mindfulness practises.

encouraging openness and approachability among teachers. Try to encourage teachers when they interact with students and let them know how much you value it when they take the time to adequately explain mental health issues to their class.

Conclusion

Students’ mental health is a serious issue, and educators must find innovative ways to provide the necessary help in our schools. Fortunately, there are lots of things we can do to give our pupils a safe and healthy learning environment. Start implementing a few of these seven mental health measures at your school right away.

References

Amanda Clark (2022). Mental Health Matters: 14 Strategies for Your School. https://www.classcraft.com/blog/mental-health-matters/

ER (2020). How to Make Progress on Your Goals When You Feel Unmotivated? https://eazyresearch.com/blog/how-to-make-progress-on-your-goals-when-you-feel-unmotivated/