In today’s fast-paced and challenging world, the importance of mental health and wellbeing cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to school students. It plays a vital role in their overall development, academic performance, and ability to navigate daily challenges. Schools have a crucial responsibility to support the mental health and wellbeing of their students, fostering resilience and creating safe spaces for open discussions. In this article, we will explore the significance of mental health in schools and discuss strategies to improve it effectively.
The Value of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Enhancing Learning and Coping Skills
Mental health and wellbeing are instrumental in facilitating effective learning among students. When students are mentally healthy, they can concentrate better, retain information, and engage actively in classroom activities. It enables them to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Moreover, students with good mental health are more resilient and better equipped to cope with the challenges they encounter in their academic journey.
Providing Support and Resources
Schools have a pivotal role in providing support and resources to promote mental health and wellbeing. By offering information and guidance on coping with stress, anxiety, and depression, schools equip students with valuable tools to navigate these emotional challenges. Additionally, they create an environment where students feel comfortable discussing their mental health and seeking support. This support network fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to prioritize their wellbeing.
Positive Thinking and Resilience
Teaching strategies for positive mental health and wellbeing cultivates a culture of optimism and resilience within schools. By empowering students to ask for help and accept support from others, schools promote a sense of community and interconnectedness. Encouraging positive thinking, emotional awareness, and self-confidence equips students with the necessary skills to navigate difficult times and thrive in the face of adversity.
The Changing Landscape of Mental Health Awareness
Breaking the Stigma
Over the years, there has been a significant shift in the perception of mental health. Campaigns like Children’s Mental Health Week and Mental Health Awareness Day have played a vital role in reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. These initiatives have made it more acceptable for individuals to seek help and support for their mental health. As a result, more children, young people, and adults are finding the assistance they need.
Opening Conversations
While progress has been made, there is still work to be done in normalizing conversations about mental health in everyday life. The future looks promising, but it requires continued efforts to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their mental health. By encouraging open conversations, schools can contribute to this positive change and facilitate the destigmatization of mental health challenges.
Strategies to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools
Early Identification and Support
Schools are uniquely positioned to identify early signs of poor mental health and emotional wellbeing among students. Changes to the Ofsted common inspection framework in 2019 now emphasize the importance of emotional and mental wellbeing in schools. To achieve good or outstanding status, schools must educate students about emotional and mental health and empower them to make informed choices. Early identification allows for timely support and intervention.
Establishing a Common Language
A crucial step in developing mental health in schools is establishing a shared and understood language around mental health and wellbeing. This ensures effective communication between students, teachers, and support staff. By aligning their understanding of mental health, schools can
create an environment where students feel heard and supported.
Redefining Mental Health
It is important to clarify the definition of mental health to dispel common misconceptions. Mental health encompasses more than just the absence of mental illness. It includes strategies and resources that promote positive mental wellbeing. By expanding the understanding of mental health, schools can shift the focus from solely addressing mental health problems to proactively promoting overall wellbeing.
Addressing the Lack of Strategies
Unfortunately, many children and young people lack the knowledge and strategies to develop positive mental health and wellbeing. This deficit, known as languishing, puts them at risk of developing mental health problems. Schools must bridge this gap by equipping students with the necessary skills to enhance their mental wellbeing. Empowering students to build resilience, seek support, and develop positive coping strategies is essential for their overall growth and mental health.
The Need for Increased Mental Health Support in Schools
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have exacerbated the mental health challenges faced by children and young people. Prolonged periods away from school and the disruption of routines have led to a significant rise in mental health problems among this demographic. The number of referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has reached an all-time high, indicating the urgent need for increased support.
Rising Concerns in Schools
Schools consistently report that mental health issues in students are on the rise, particularly during crucial exam years. The pressure to succeed academically, coupled with personal challenges, can significantly impact students’ mental wellbeing. It is crucial for schools to address these concerns and create a supportive environment that fosters mental health and resilience.
Failing Mental Health Care
Recent reports have highlighted the shortcomings of mental health care for young people. Many individuals referred for mental health issues receive little to no help, leading to negative future outcomes. Addressing mental health challenges at an early stage is crucial, as childhood mental health problems often persist into adolescence and adulthood. Schools can play a pivotal role in prevention and support.
The Role of Wellbeing in Schools
Overlooked Importance
School wellbeing is often overlooked, but its impact on teachers and students cannot be underestimated. A positive school climate, supported teachers, and engaged students are all contributors to overall school wellbeing. When these factors are present, they create an environment that supports the mental health and wellbeing of everyone involved.
Factors Affecting School Wellbeing
Several factors contribute to school wellbeing. A positive school culture, where everyone feels valued and respected, fosters a conducive learning environment. Teachers who receive support from colleagues and administration are more engaged and form positive relationships with students. Likewise, students who feel connected to their school and peers are more likely to thrive academically and enjoy the learning process.
The Role of Senior Mental Health Leads
The Importance of Senior Mental Health Leads
Recognizing the significance of mental health in schools, the Department for Education has advised all schools to appoint Senior Mental Health Leads (SMHL) by 2025. SMHLs play a vital role in leading a strategic approach to mental health and wellbeing within schools. They promote a whole-school approach that benefits all students and enhances their learning experience.
Equipping SMHLs
To support the role of SMHLs, the Department for Education offers a training grant of £1200. This funding aims to equip mental health leads with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop effective strategies for mental health and wellbeing within their schools. By empowering SMHLs, schools can cultivate a positive environment that promotes positive behaviors for learning and prevents the onset of
mental health problems.
Worth-it : Improving School Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Power of Positive Education
Positive Education, an application of Positive Psychology within educational settings, offers evidence-based strategies to enhance positive mental health and wellbeing. It moves children and young people away from languishing and toward flourishing by fostering personal wellbeing resources.
Essential Wellbeing Strategies
Worth-it advocates for the development of essential wellbeing strategies that support self-awareness, self-reliance, flexible thinking, focus, positive outlook, positive relationships, goal-setting, coping skills, resilience, decision-making, impulse control, emotional literacy, and communication. These strategies are teachable and learnable, and they contribute to overall wellbeing and mental health.
The SEARCH Framework
Worth-it has been supporting schools and students in developing wellbeing strategies for over 10 years. They utilize the SEARCH framework developed by Waters and Loton to organize and implement strategies for positive mental health and wellbeing. This framework encompasses a holistic approach to wellbeing, addressing various aspects that contribute to flourishing.
Prioritizing mental health and wellbeing in schools is crucial for students’ overall development and success.
Schools play a significant role in supporting students’ mental health by providing resources, promoting positive thinking, and creating a safe and supportive environment.
The impact of COVID-19 has underscored the urgency of addressing mental health challenges and equipping students with strategies for positive mental wellbeing.
With the support of Senior Mental Health Leads and organizations like Worth-it, schools can foster a positive school culture and empower students to thrive academically and emotionally.
By investing in mental health support and promoting wellbeing, schools can shape a brighter future for the next generation.
