How Schools and Teachers Can Help Students Improve Their Productivity?

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “a state of well-being in which each person realizes his or her potential, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community.” Happens.” Dealing with normal day-to-day things, working productively, realizing your potential, it all sounds easy, doesn’t it? Not for everyone.

Mental health concerns have been around for centuries, but as general awareness of these needs spread and schools began to train their staff to identify and support students who need help, so did They are becoming more popular.

Unfortunately, these issues are often viewed as taboo topics in communities around the world. Families generally find it challenging to accept that their child may need additional support for their well-being, making it all the more important for schools to ensure that they have adequate resources to facilitate the identification and referral process. Have appropriate staff training.

Recognizing these concerns in teens is not always easy because teens often find different ways to hide their symptoms and hide them from those around them. The more students feel that it is ‘not okay’ to seek help, the more likely they are to have potentially serious consequences for their mental well-being. Some of the most common problems teens may find in schools include anxiety and depression, as well as behavior and eating disorders.

So what do we see? Common symptoms include but are not limited to:

● sudden changes in mood or behavior

● withdrawing or avoiding social situations with family or friends

● Unexplained physical changes such as weight loss or gain

● Change in sleeping habits

● self-harm

Most importantly, once the need for support is identified, what do we do as teachers and caregivers to make changes and give these adolescents the support they need?

this is easy.

make connections

Relationship building is central to establishing the trust necessary for a teen to trust an adult in their life. It is important that teens feel that it is normal to have a mental health problem and that it is the right thing to do to seek help so that they can get the help they need. To do this, teachers and caregivers must find ways to build rapport and trust with their teens. Don’t be afraid to open up and share something about yourself. Let your teen see you as a human being.

provide a safe place

Educators and caregivers should create an environment that is welcoming for their teen, creating a sense of belonging at home and/or in the classroom. Teens should feel confident to talk with you, knowing they won’t be exposed to any criticism, discrimination, or judgment. Your space should be free of personal bias, ensuring that students feel safe and respected.

be present

Sometimes just giving your teen time is enough. Show them that you are there for them through the good and the bad. As teachers, take time during the school day to pause and ask your students how they are feeling. As parents or caregivers, set aside time for purposeful family dinners, activities, or evening chats to share about your day with your teen to establish a forum for sharing. determine.

– Written by Amanda Dayal, Head of Student Support Services, Stonehill International School, Bangalore