When school health curriculum fails to address behavioral health, it further contributes to the feeling that a student’s mental health is not as important as their physical health. This article looks at new legislation proposals that would require mental health to be included in the larger health curriculum. This is vital in reducing stigma for students who wish to discuss their emotional well-being or seek treatment, and ensuring that they have a right to health without restrictions or shame.
Mental Health Days in Schools
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 15-34 in the state of Maryland. In Maryland and across the nation, stigma around behavioral health has left many school policies lacking in how students are able to handle their emotional needs. This article from NPR highlights a proposed solution in Oregon extending excused absences for students that need to take sick days for mental health. Click the title for the full article from NPR.
Time to Change - United Kingdom
Based in the UK, Time to Change is a “growing movement of people changing how we all think and act about mental health problems.” Since 2007 they’ve worked to get people talking about mental health in schools, workplaces, and communities. This year, they launched a new program “to help tackle mental health stigma and discrimination in other countries - by training local campaigners and setting up pilot campaigns.” Click the title to learn more about their work.
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Schools play a powerful role in fighting distorted perceptions around mental health and addiction! The Child Mind Institute reports that school based anti-stigma programs not only improve mental health attitudes by 68%, but that these positive attitudes actually increase treatment-seeking behavior in adolescents.
How pupil power makes schools more open about mental health issues
“With one in 10 children between the ages of five and 16 dealing with diagnosable mental health issues, it’s not enough to simply educate teachers. Students also need to be empowered on the issues and take the lead in helping build a safe and open environment for discussion of mental health in schools.”
Secret Teacher: why can’t I tell pupils about my eating disorder?
A teacher in recovery from her own eating disorder is concerned about how much she can reach out to students. “When I am genuinely worried I follow protocol and inform pastoral staff within the school. But I also want to tell them that I know what it’s like and that you can come out the other side. The problem is I don’t know how much I can say.”