Mental health issues have become a growing concern among the masses across the country. Affecting individuals from all age groups, be it adolescents, teenagers, or adults, mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder are challenging to deal with. Focusing specifically on the younger generation, a survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed that approximately 12-13 percent of students in India suffer from psychological, emotional and behavioural conditions.
To get rid of these mental health issues among students, the first and foremost need is to diagnose their causes, post which one may look for some effective ways to deal with and recover from these mental health issues. Some of the common ones that have been reported include:
- Performance pressure from parents
- Stress of exams
- Abuse
- Trauma
- Social neglect and isolation
- Loneliness
- Debt or poverty
- Physical illness
Symptoms of Students’ Deteriorating Mental Health
Throughout their time in school, teachers have the most profound impact on students’ lives, whether it’s academics, emotional health or social interactions. Teachers play a vital role in supporting the mental health of their students. Therefore, teachers need to be cautious while dealing with their students and ensure their mental well-being. To enable this, they should be aware of the common signs that indicate their deteriorating mental health, such as mental health issues. Some of these include
- Memory issues
- Lack of concentration
- Inability to make decisions
- Suicidal thoughts
- Mood swings
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of motivation
- Deteriorating school performance
- Social detachment
- Irritability
- Low energy
- Fatigue
- Poor eating habits
- Insomnia
- Poor personal appearance
Teachers Play a Crucial Role in Students’ Mental Well-Being
Teachers play an important role in protecting the mental health of their students, as students place trust and dependence on them. Teachers must provide maximum support, addressing both emotional and academic needs, especially in the context of mental health issues. By fostering a supportive environment, teachers can contribute significantly to the overall mental well-being of their students. This involves not only recognizing the signs of mental health problems but also actively creating an environment that encourages open communication. Additionally, teachers must be well-versed in the resources and support systems available to guide students experiencing mental health challenges effectively. Through a combination of empathy, understanding and knowledge, teachers can play a vital role in promoting the mental health of their students, thereby creating an environment conducive to learning.
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Show that you care:
This can help students feel safe and secure around their teachers. At times, they just need someone around whom they can feel safe and protected.
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Lend them an ear:
There are times when they just want to be heard. Be patient and listen to their problems carefully so that you can provide them with the right advice.
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Be calm and accepting:
Tell them that it’s okay to talk about their problems. Stay calm even if they are reluctant, and offer them as much help as you can.
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Establish a relaxing routine in the classroom:
Try and break larger assessments into smaller tasks. This may help students feel lighter and experience success faster.
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Support social skills:
Help students develop social skills by helping them understand the need to stay connected socially and interact with their friends and others around them.
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Help them find their self-identity:
Motivate them to get engaged in activities they enjoy and spend time with people they like. This would enable them to find out who they are and not stay within any rigid boundaries.
Apart from these, acknowledging their emotions, encouraging positive thinking, and praising their performance can also help a great deal in improving their mental health. The role of family and friends cannot be ignored as they are a crucial part of their lives. In case you feel that some student around you needs an expert’s help, Athena Behavioral Health is the place where they can get the right kind of help and support.
Athena is one of the leading providers of mental health and addiction-related treatment services across the country. We have two separate treatment facilities in your vicinity – one that focuses entirely on treating patients with mental health issues and the other one that focuses on treating individuals addicted to any form of substance. We can proudly state that this is the first time in the country that a treatment facility has come up with two separate facilities for addressing issues faced by patients dealing with mental illnesses and substance addiction.
Athena is more than happy to extend its support to its patients. Fully equipped to provide comprehensive treatment interventions comprising medication management, counselling sessions, and alternative therapy classes, Athena assists its patients with effective rehabilitation strategies, coping skills, and continuing care support. For more details about our treatment facilities and packages, WhatsApp us at 9289086193.
