Mental Health Care

Mental Health Care is important not only in schools, but in so many other aspects of someone's life. Mental Health is defined as, "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community" (World Health Organization, 2004). This particular definition includes positive feelings of mental health, instead of recognizing it as a state of mental illness. Three components of mental health could include emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being. The effects of mental health interventions have shown to be positive. "Evidence from this review suggests that it is best to start early and intervene with the youngest children, particularly in broader areas that develop generic and social and emotional skills" (Oxford University Press, 2022). Mental health problems can cause students to have trouble learning, have difficulty completing tasks and concentrating, and have lower grades and become more distant from the school. Mental Health Care in schools could help prevent all these things and improve the lives of many struggling students. 

A teacher counseling/supporting
 a student's mental health

My experience with mental health care in schools is very fortunate. I grew up in schools with a very supportive staff and insightful school work. I remember being educated on mental health when I was in elementary school, middle school, and especially high school. I do think it is an extremely important factor for students to be educated on. I personally remember being taught key factors of mental health by my guidance counselors in my schools. We would meet once a month, and she would explain the importance of mental health. She also explained to us what it was. I grew up very fortunate, so my mental health was never a huge concern for me. However, learning about it throughout school has made me more aware of the concerns of mental health, and I think that has really benefitted me, especially as a future Elementary Education teacher. Mental Health Care needs to be involved in every school, and I believe teachers and students need to be educated on mental health.