3 Ways Teachers Can Educate Students About Mental Health

Written By Colēgia

Mental health is an incredibly important topic that is not discussed enough. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health or our emotional health. Thankfully there are ways we can help inform students about this topic which can also help show us new perspectives. Here are three ways teachers can educate students about mental health.

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Using Historical Figures

There are many great ways to incorporate mental health into teaching. For example, social studies and English teachers can discuss mental health themes in a novel or in a historical figure’s life. This could make it easier to discuss a potentially uncomfortable topic since it's in reference to a character or a historical figure. Students can learn to identify, describe and manage emotions, along with discussing the social implications of different mental health issues. Teachers can also take the lesson a step further, away from the theoretical and into the reality of it. Students may learn about healthy ways to communicate and deal with their emotions, or coping skills if they're going through something themselves. From deep breathing to guided imagery, skills such as these might be useful for a student in the future.

“For example, social studies and English teachers can discuss mental health themes in a novel or in a historical figure’s life.”

Effective Communication

The next method for educating students about mental health is talking. Establishing an open line of communication between teacher and student can help in many ways. Class discussions are a good way to begin an open and on-going conversation about this important topic. Let students know that it’s okay to talk about this as mental health issues are nothing to be ashamed of. Once students know that they aren’t the only ones that go through things and experience mental health issues, it will be easier for them to understand that they're not alone. Feeling this sense of understanding and community can make all the difference.

“Class discussions are a good way to begin an open and on-going conversation about this important topic. Let students know that it’s okay to talk about this as mental health issues are nothing to be ashamed of.”

Promoting a Safe Space

Starting these conversations and getting students to open up depends on how comfortable they feel. Allowing students to feel like they're in a safe space whenever they enter their classroom is crucial in being able to have these real conversations and get through to them. Teachers should make their students feel like they can share whatever they wish within the classroom and it won’t be met with harsh words or teasing. Part of this is making sure other students understand that they must respect their classmates and their ideas.

Maintaining good mental health is something everyone deals with. Everyone has their own battles they are working through but not everyone talks about them. As long as we are gentle with ourselves while practicing good communication we can work on ourselves and promote positivity.

Colēgia

Colēgia

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