How Schools Can Teach Mental Health Without Triggering Episodes |
Posted: May 13, 2022 |
Depression, panic attacks, and anxiety disorders, which were previously thought to be adult problems, are now affecting far more children than ever before. As a result, media reports of children committing suicide or engaging in self-harm - the extreme outcomes of such problems - are common. Unfortunately, the majority of adults, including parents, believe that children do not have mental health issues. Childhood is viewed as a happy fairy tale in a person's life. However, in a world rife with wars, terrorist attacks, and applications like Blue Whale that livestream death, this is not the case. Though advocates for mental health advocate for the inclusion of mental health as a curriculum in schools in order to educate children, having an open discussion about it is not without its challenges. Talking about mental health in schools is a tightrope act. It is impossible to predict how a piece of information could be turned on its head and trigger an episode in a vulnerable child. The problem is that in a world that has shrunk due to the internet and the pervasiveness of social media, it is impossible to avoid discussing mental health. The situation is so dire that nowadays, even a teenager goes live with his own suicide on social media. So the challenge is to address the issue of mental health while doing it correctly. Here's what you can do: Examine the waters: It is necessary to first test the waters or understand the level of understanding about a mental health issue. For example, one could start by asking children about depression, which is the most common mental health condition in the world today. Depending on the response, the educator may choose to delve deeper into the subject. Clarity: It is critical for the educator to have clarity before speaking on mental health topics. Homework is required for this. They could, for example, be informed about children who have recently lost a parent. It is critical that they be careful about the content of their speech in the aftermath of a school violence or the death of a friend. Follow-up: It is critical to follow up with the school's mental health counselor regarding the response to the class. Not only that, but the children's responses and specific concerns should be documented in a memo for future reference. Furthermore, it is critical to prepare the parents ahead of time so that they are prepared to answer any questions that the child may have. Screening for mental illnesses: Screening children for mental health issues is a logical first step in preventing incidents. In a class with troubled children, the teacher could use restraint. Avoid using upsetting images: Visuals may have a traumatic effect on the child's mind. So, whether it's an image of a child with visible traces of self-harm on their body or a visual of anorexia, it's best to avoid it because children are quick to accept the representation. Avoid including graphic details: While no suicide prevention class can be complete without mentioning the methods by which people commit suicide, the details should be avoided lest children Google it. Avoid stereotyping: If the basis of this educational initiative is ethnicity or any other factor, it may cause more harm than good. Mental illnesses should not be stereotyped in any community, race, or ethnic identity. It is critical to intervene as soon as possible. The key to dealing with the American society's mental health crisis is public awareness, and the earlier one begins, the better. Some mental illnesses begin to manifest symptoms during adolescence. However, due to a lack of education and awareness, most of us wait until an adult to seek treatment. However, it is critical to understand that prompt intervention and treatment is the key to cure.
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