Good mental health of student is linked to the quality of academic success.
The physical, social, and mental wellbeing of students play key roles to their success in school. When these aspects do not function properly, students can lose interest in learning, experience difficulty understanding content and get poor grades in school. These situations can lead to behavioral problems and anxiety for both children and parents.
Mental Health Is Not a Taboo Nor A Death Sentence
When we hear that someone is suffering from mental health, let’s be reminded that mental health is not a taboo and neither is it a death sentence. There are specialists and experts to advise and guide parents on how to support their children so they have a school life balanced lifestyle and succeed in school.
Enhanced Learning
Academic challenges (such mental health) with the right support and worthwhile content can encourage students to push forward and go the extra mile. Something they wouldn’t have done in a normal circumstance. This in turn can boost their behavior and how they perceive and view themselves. According to the Director of the Office For Institutional Equity, Leeds Trinity University – these positive emotional changes and experiences “can really help with imposter syndrome or avoiding imposter syndrome.” (You can listen to the full discussion in Education for Mental Health: enhancing student mental health through curriculum and pedagogy video.)
If you think your child might be suffering from mental health, inform the school counselor or your doctor. They will be able to advise and guide you to specialists. Whatever you do, don’t keep quiet, don’t let it get out of hand before looking for help and you don’t have to suffer alone.
As parents, it’s important to ensure that your children feel loved and supported through each stage of development. That includes during the easy and tough times. Here are four things that you can do to support your child if you think he or she is suffering from mental health:
- Let them know they are loved and supported no matter what they do.
- Talk about emotions and feelings regularly.
- Involved them in decision making as much as possible especially if they are able to contribute.
- Get professional help – this cannot be overstated.
Discover how curriculum can support both wellbeing and learning. Watch the video.
Academic staff, academic teams and curriculum development staff will find this information interesting and beneficial. Parents, guardians and educators will also benefit from it.
Reminder: October 10th is World Mental Health Day. Read more about mental health by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Remember you don’t always have to wait until you have the right words. Take the risk to share your thoughts in your own way and that is usually a good place to start.
If you have questions and would like to discuss further book a meeting
Until next time. Take Care.
Margaret,