Why Mental Health Should be Taught In School Theresia Jessica Winarto / XI MIPA 1 / 18
Mental health issues have become more common in children and teenagers nowadays.
In Gen Z, most kids feel that their generation deals with mental health more than the other generation. Nearly 31% of Gen Z would rate their mental health in 2022 as bad and more than one out four are diagnosed during the pandemic. However when it comes to talking about their mental health. Mental health disorders are sometimes ignored in the social environment.
People with mental health disorders, especially in Indonesia, are stigmatized. This then creates people’s view that having a mental health disorder is a shame to them. While in fact, this stigmatism could negatively impact them more. Only 63% of Gen Z are comfortable talking about their own mental health with others.
Teens spend so much time in school, and at home, they have to finish all their school assignments, we can’t deny that school can be very stressful sometimes. Not only that, but teens also have to cope with academic validation and career futures. All of this causes them to stress more and then develop mental health disorders. Creating an environment where everyone can talk openly about their mental health and feel safe about it will make school feel less stressful and boost the teen’s confidence to speak for themselves.
In my opinion, when teachers start a discussion about how important mental health is, it gives the student bravery and empowers them to reach out to their trusted relatives whenever they need mental help. Even if they don’t freely admit their mental health issues in front of their teacher, when they hear their teacher talking about it, they will feel supported.
This is something schools need to realize that mental health also impacts students’ learning and achievement.
As a teenager myself, my mental health has a lot to do with my achievement. Having a mental health issue, whether it’s anxiety or depression causes me to have a lack of passion to do great work on my learning. Especially at the start of the pandemic, students have to adapt to a whole new way and environment of learning. It's no surprise sometimes we encounter anxiety and many more mental health disorders.
In conclusion, mental health should be taught in school. Discussion about mental health problems in school can start with a small talk between teachers and students at the beginning or the end of the learning activities. Teaching mental and physical health together leads to better outcomes for teens.
