Role of Schools to Promote Mental Health Awareness

Schools can often be labelled as ‘tyrannical’ or ‘sadistic’ due to the sky-high expectations and never ending examinations. Speaking from their point of view, it is said that this is for the best, to make sure we reach our highest potential, but at what cost?

Most students face burnouts at an age when they’re supposed to be the most energetic, and that too on a regular basis. These burnouts can take a toll on our mental health, leaving us too exhausted to pursue extracurriculars, even those activities which we love.

I believe that schools have the most control on our mental health and can do many things to raise awareness about it. Many schools promote having more projects instead of additional sets of exams to reduce stress. Schools should instil healthier study and exam patterns, giving actual breaks to students and not just study ones.

Schools are that one place students/children spend most of their time apart from being at home.

Their time at school influences their behaviour and mood as well. It is the responsibility of the school and teachers to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for the students. Sometimes teachers do not realise how overwhelming it must be for a child to balance everything like academics , extra curriculars, friends, projects etc. Students might be going through a lot at home or at school or might be facing several issues which they do not talk about. Schools should spread awareness about how mental health is as important as physical health.

They should make children know that it is okay to approach a counsellor or a psychologist if he/she is facing any problems. An educational psychologist would help children facing problems with academics. 

To conclude, mental health is the most important aspect of our lives , if we keep that part of our life very healthy we would be able to face all challenges that may come through our life and this is something schools should definitely advocate to their students.

-Myra Chamaria and Heeyana Jhaveri