Over the last several decades, mental health has become more of a priority throughout society. While it was once an ignored facet of health, it has become an important aspect in the personal, social, professional, and educational lives of most people.
This being the case, those connected to the education system need to be aware of key mental health services that all students need to have available. Becoming more familiar with these services can give one a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between education and mental health in the modern world.
Here are vital mental health resources for all levels of education.
Free and Readily Accessible Counseling
Whether it’s in an elementary school or a higher education institution, it’s vital that all students have access to free and readily accessible counseling. This key resource is vital to helping students of all ages achieve optimal levels of mental wellness.
Sadly, studies have shown that somewhere in the neighborhood, half of all students experience some form of trauma. On top of this, many students don’t have access to someone they can talk to or a mental health professional outside of school.
Given these disheartening facts, it’s imperative that all schools have a mental health professional on-site that students can see whenever they need to. As a result of this type of effort, all students, whether they’re in a special education classroom or a college class, will have opportunities to improve their mental health.
Quiet, Isolated Spaces
For many students, having an isolated space can be a lifeline. This is because those who experience mental health ailments such as anxiety and depression often need spaces like this where they can go when they feel overwhelmed.
By providing these spaces in schools, more students will be able to step away from stressful situations and decompress when they need to. In addition, this mental health resource is very easy for virtually every school to provide as it only requires an empty room or classroom.
As such, quiet, isolated spaces should be a must-have mental health resource for all levels of education.
Teaching Mindfulness
Though it’s definitely become a buzzword over the last several years, mindfulness can be a life-changing practice that can have a monumental impact on the mental health of students. Essentially, mindfulness is a practice in which one focuses on being present and intentional with one’s thoughts.
Educational institutions at all levels should have initiatives in which students are taught how to practice mindfulness, especially in stressful situations. By imparting students with this tool, they will be able to better regulate their emotions and experience better mental health.
When it comes to teaching students about how to be mindful, many different approaches can work. For some schools, regular assemblies can be an efficient way to accomplish this goal. For schools with a lot of faculties, having small groups or one-on-one training sessions can be an effective means of teaching students about mindfulness.
Ultimately, making it a point to give students the skills to decompress and be mindful can significantly improve their mental health. For this reason, mindfulness lessons should be a mental health resource found in all educational settings.
Teachers with a Deep Understanding of Mental Health
While it’s vital to have mental health professionals present in different educational institutions, it’s also important that normal faculty, such as teachers, are also well-versed in mental health topics.
One key reason for this is that not all students will seek out mental health care when they need it. In these cases, teachers who are trained to recognize symptoms of mental health illnesses can check in with students and encourage them to see a mental health counselor.
In addition, different educational practices have different effects on students. This means that some teachers may inadvertently stress students out and negatively impact their mental health.
This being the case, it’s clear that teachers at all educational levels should have some training in mental health services. This will ensure that all students are being supported in keyways that bolster and improve their mental health rather than harm them.
As such, teachers who are well-versed in mental health topics should be a resource that all students have access to regardless of what stage of their educational career they’re currently in.
Mental Health Resources are Vital for Students
No matter what age a student is or where they are located, they deserve access to robust mental health resources. From mental health professionals to teachers trained in mental health services, students should always be able to easily access the help they need.
As time goes on and mental health continues to be prioritized, many are hopeful that more schools will invest in more mental health resources for students.
