When tragedy strikes, such as the latest school shooting, many people shout, “It’s a mental health issue!” Yet, the suggested response often involves arming educators instead of addressing the root problems. If we genuinely care about mental health, we need to prioritize education on the subject. It’s crucial to begin teaching our children about mental wellness early on; the sooner we instill this knowledge, the better equipped they will be to manage their emotions as they grow.
Conversations about mental health should start when kids are young and must continue throughout their development. Just as a balanced diet and regular exercise are vital for physical health, understanding mental well-being is equally important. Unfortunately, while we are constantly reminded to maintain our physical fitness, discussions around mental health remain muted. Unlike routine check-ups for our physical health, mental health evaluations are often overlooked, sending the message that psychological support is only for those deemed “broken.” How can we expect children to navigate their feelings if we neglect to address them?
Reflecting on my own health education, I remember how little emphasis was placed on mental health. Classes focused heavily on puberty and personal hygiene, with mental wellness barely receiving a week’s coverage. I attended school years ago, but the scant attention to mental health education still resonates today. Now, as a parent of school-aged children, I frequently sift through flyers from their backpacks. While there are numerous resources on nutrition and physical fitness, I rarely see materials addressing how to cope with feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or sadness—common experiences that everyone encounters.
Yes, high school offers psychology classes, but they are often optional and not universally available. I didn’t delve into mental health until college, where I majored in Psychology. Even then, the focus was primarily on severe disorders rather than everyday mental health challenges. Wouldn’t it be wise for us to prioritize mental well-being from the very beginning? Today’s youth face significant pressures, including the threat of bullying, instability in their schools, and rising rates of teen suicide—particularly alarming among girls, where rates have reached a 40-year high.
Efforts are being made to incorporate anti-bullying messages in schools, but progress is slow. We must elevate mental health discussions to the same level of importance as physical health topics. We need to normalize mental health care, encouraging children to express their feelings and seek help when needed. Instead of brief lessons, we should dedicate entire classes to equipping them with tools to cope with the emotional challenges they will inevitably face.
If our society is indeed grappling with a mental health crisis, we must address it with more than superficial solutions. Teachers should be equipped with the skills to identify students who are lonely, bullied, or at risk emotionally. Moreover, we need to empower all children to manage their feelings and extend empathy to those who are struggling. By starting this education early, we can gradually dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, which has contributed to the current crisis.
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Summary
We are failing our children by neglecting mental health education in schools. Early and continuous discussions about mental well-being are crucial to equipping kids with the skills to manage their emotions and seek help. With rising mental health issues among youth, it’s essential to prioritize this education alongside physical health topics, fostering a more empathetic and supportive environment for all.
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