How Can Schools Support Mental Health and Well-Being?

The times when we studied and what children are going through currently are quite different. Academic pressure has been high, and to add to that, students are now exposed to a multitude of factors that they need to excel in. This creates mental pressure and unwanted stress.

Any good school in Pune as well as other parts makes sure to inculcate practices that alleviate them from this stress. How is it done? It is usually done by offering a supportive environment to the students and offering practical resources that can help them. 

Best Ways in Which Schools Help Mental Well-Being in Children

Some of the best ways in which schools can help children to improve their mental well-being are:

Creating a Positive and Inclusive Environment 

The foundation of good mental health and wellbeing begins with creating a positive and inclusive school culture. Schools can nurture this by promoting kindness. Students should also learn the meaning of simple concepts like empathy. Teaching students about inclusivity among students and staff is also crucial. 

When children feel safe, accepted, and valued, they are more likely to share their concerns. They would also be more motivated to seek help when needed. Simple measures like anti-bullying policies, peer support programs, and awareness campaigns can help. It can also create a welcoming atmosphere where every student feels they belong.

Introducing Mental Health Education 

To inculcate the values of positive mental health and wellbeing, introducing the understanding of mental health is extremely important. Mental health is as important as physical health, and yet in most schools, it is not given as much importance. Today schools are recognising the value of the same and focusing on mental health education. 

Schools are also introducing age-appropriate mental health education. How does it help? It teaches students about emotional awareness, stress management, and self-care techniques. Workshops and sessions on topics like anxiety, depression, and coping strategies help break the stigma. It eventually empowers the students to recognize when they need help.

Access to Professional Support

While schools might think that with only mental health awareness and education, they can achieve much, in reality, that is not the truth. You will also need to make sure that you can give students access to professional support as and when required. Having trained counselors, psychologists, and therapists could be a great addition to your team. 

They are usually experts and can provide one-on-one counseling to children for various reasons. They are also equipped for any kind of crisis intervention, like a panic attack or even a conflict that could get violent. Regular check-ins with counselors help students to share about their areas of concern, academic challenges and even emotions. 

Training Teaches to Recognize Warning Signs

If you really want to prioritise mental health in your school, you must train the teachers as well. Teachers are usually the first responders, and training them to recognize the signs of distress could work really well. The best way to inculcate this is with the help of awareness workshops and training. 

Teachers who have been trained to understand signs of emotional distress and anger management could be taught how to respond in times of need. It is also possible for teachers to work in collaboration with parents and improve the mental health condition of children. Understanding the need for every child and then planning out a program that caters to their unique needs is extremely important. 

Conclusion

Focusing on the mental health of every child could lead to a completely different future. If you are someone who is focused on the mental health of your child and looking for options where the same gets equal importance, then The Shri Ram Universal School is your best option. 

Among the schools that have recently focused on mental health more than any other subject, TSUS is your best bet. This is also currently the best school in Pune, given the kind of curriculum and infrastructure they offer. The only thing that you would need to do is follow the admission protocol, which is clearly available on the website. 

The teachers are also given enough training about how to protect well well-being of students and foster the same across various age groups.