Incorporating mental well-being education and support from a young age can foster emotional stability and healthy coping mechanisms among the youth. Preventive mental well-being initiatives are essential to address the increasing mental health challenges faced by the young generation.
Importance of Mental Well-Being in Education
For many years, student development and mental health have received less attention compared to academic accomplishments. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that mental health significantly influences students’ future success, happiness, and academic achievement. Sanjay Desai, author, entrepreneur, and CEO of ConsciousLeap, has highlighted the importance of focusing on students’ mental health and shared effective approaches to address these issues.
Interlinkage Between Mental Well-Being and Academic Performance
- Impact of Mental Health: Issues like anxiety, depression, and stress can impair a student’s ability to retain knowledge and concentrate. Emotionally and psychologically healthy students can devote their attention wholeheartedly to their studies.
- Global Perspective: A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) study indicates that a significant portion of the global disease burden among youth (10–24 years old) is due to mental health issues. Supporting students’ mental health lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and positive personal development.
Encouraging a Supportive Learning Environment
- Designing Supportive Systems: Educational ecosystems need to facilitate personal learning and development for students. Addressing mental well-being essentials helps students understand themselves and engage better with their surroundings.
- Seeking Help: When students feel supported and encouraged, they are more likely to seek help when needed and not shy away from problems. This helps them confront challenges and seek assistance when necessary.
Effects of Digital Alchemy
- Digital Influence: Growing up as digital natives, young minds are constantly connected and exposed to self-comparison and validation-seeking behaviors. This can lead to lower self-esteem and a sense of disconnect.
- Encouraging Offline Connections: Empowering students with habits that encourage offline connections with themselves, peers, and mentors can help them form positive associations and use technology judiciously.
Long-Term Contentment and Well-Being
- Early Support: Equipping students with mental well-being essentials early on helps them handle life’s challenges better as they grow older. Good mental well-being habits enable people to make significant contributions to society, choose fulfilling careers, and rise to adversities.
- Future Benefits: Investments in students’ welfare can lead to lower healthcare costs, a more productive workforce, and a happier society.
Overcoming Obstacles to Well-Being
- Changing Attitudes: Mental health is gaining acceptance, and people are more open to discussing their well-being. Schools are now providing mental health counseling services for students.
- Comprehensive Approach: Addressing mental health issues requires a multi-faceted approach involving policymakers, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.