Mental Health in Students – Why It’s Important and What Parents Can Do to Help
The Manthan School believes that mental health is just as important as physical health for students. Unfortunately, mental health disorders are common among teens and young adults.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. While mental health disorders are often undiagnosed or untreated in teens, they can lead to problems at home, school, and in relationships. That’s why it’s important for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness in their children.
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness in Students
Mental illness can manifest in a variety of ways, so it’s important for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms. These can include changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Here are some specific examples:
- Feeling sad or hopeless all the time
- Withdrawing from friends or activities that used to make them happy
- Change in eating or sleeping habits; drastic drop in grades
- Increased drug or alcohol use
- Violence or aggression toward others
- Self-harm; persistent thoughts about harming themselves
If you notice any of these changes in your child, it’s important to talk to them about what’s going on and seek professional help if necessary.
Help available for Students with Mental Illness
The first step is always to talk to your child about what they’re experiencing. This can be a difficult conversation, but it’s an important one. You can also reach out to your child’s school counselor or another trusted adult for help.
If you think your child may need professional help, there are many qualified mental health professionals who can provide treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you think your child is struggling with a mental health disorder.
How Parents Can Promote Mental Wellness in Students
In addition to getting professional help when necessary, there are also things that parents can do to promote mental wellness in their children. Some tips include:
- Being involved in their lives
- Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise and journaling
- Modeling healthy behavior
- Fostering open communication
- Helping them find purpose and meaning through extracurricular activities
- Monitoring their media consumption
- Teaching them about managing stress and anxiety
By promoting mental wellness in students, parents can help prevent mental illness from developing or worsening.
The Bottom Line
Mental health is just as important as physical health – yet mental illness is often undiagnosed or untreated in teens. As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness so you can get your child the help they need. There are many qualified mental health professionals who can provide treatment, but there are also things that parents can do to promote mental wellness in their children. If you think your child may be struggling with a mental health disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
That’s why at The Manthan School, we give extra attention to students’ mental health so they can not only thrive academically but also personally. If you are looking for the best CBSE school in sector 78 Noida, The Manthan School is the perfect place to begin your child’s educational journey with a solid foundation.
Nursery to 11th-grade admissions is open for the academic session 2022-23. You can find more information about our school, curriculum, and admission on our official website.
Click here to apply now.