"The toughest part in the journey for me was not understanding what I was feeling or experiencing. Not being able to explain to people what it was. The diagnosis itself felt like a massive relief."- Deepika Padukone. A Child is like clay. Their behavior mechanism and mental health plays a very important role in shaping the lives of young individuals. In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, children face immense pressure to excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and conform to societal standards. This pressure often takes a toll on their mental well-being. Siliguri- a junction for Northeast, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and a few other states of India has become a diverse and populated place. Here, addressing mental health in schools and educational institutes is not just a necessity but a priority. Why Mental Health Awareness in Schools Matters According to the studies, two in ten students globally experience mental health challenges, yet a significant majority of these cases go undiagnosed or untreated. With the rising cases of children being different, insensitive, having anxiety, stress, and depression, there is an urgent need to promote mental health awareness in schools. Schools are not just institutes to learn and get a degree, it is the place where students spend a significant portion of their day. Teachers, Counselors, and peers can play a vital role in identifying and addressing mental health concerns as early as possible. There should be an ambiance where students facing “not being able to explain to anyone what is bothering them” can be diagnosed early. By fostering a culture of openness and understanding, schools can create a supportive environment that empowers students to seek help without stigma. Challenges in Addressing Mental Health in Siliguri Schools Stigma and Lack of Awareness: We live in a society where talking about “emotionally not feeling well ” can be misunderstood. Mental health issues are often stigmatized. Many students hesitate to express their feelings or seek help for fear of being judged and taunted. Students do not have that environment at home or at school to express themselves freely. Limited Resources: We are talking about Siliguri, but when we see overall India also not all schools have trained counselors or access to mental health professionals. Even when we see outside help from psychological counselors, we can find very finite counts. We have a handful of institutions to address mental health awareness. Parental Expectations: Parents, who are not educated, about the importance of mental health would prioritize academic success over emotional well-being. These parents may overlook signs of stress or dismiss mental health concerns as trivial. Cultural Barriers: In the name of culture, preserving superstitious beliefs is also one of the concerns. In some cases, cultural norms discourage open discussions about mental health, leaving students without a platform to voice their concerns. Strategies to Promote Mental Health Awareness in Schools Incorporate Mental Health Education into the Curriculum: Age- Appropriate mental health education can help students understand their emotions, recognize signs of distress, and learn coping mechanisms. Train Teachers and Staff: Equipping and upskilling teachers and staff to identify early signs of mental health issues and provide initial support is crucial. Workshops, seminars, and awareness programs can play a vital role in educating about mental health importance. Organize Awareness Campaigns: Schools can collaborate with mental health organizations to conduct awareness programs, workshops, and interactive sessions for students, parents, and teachers. Involve Parents: If parents are educated enough to understand the importance of mental health, it can equip them to support their children effectively. Workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions can be ice-breaking. The Role of the Community in Siliguri In Siliguri, a collaborative effort between local NGOs, healthcare providers, and educational institutions can significantly enhance support systems for students. We can focus on: 1. Mental Health Helplines 2. Community Counseling Centers 3. Collaboration with Schools and Colleges 4. Workshops and Seminars 5. Periodic Assessments and Feedback 6. Government and Community Support By leveraging the strengths of NGOs (community outreach and resources), healthcare providers (expertise in mental health), and educational institutions (direct engagement with students), Siliguri can create a comprehensive, student-centric support system that not only addresses mental health challenges but can also create an ethos where promoting the overall well-being of the students comes in top most priority. Promoting mental health awareness in Siliguri schools is not just about addressing problems but, it is also about creating a culture of understanding, empathy, and resilience. By taking proactive steps, schools can equip students with the skills they need to thrive emotionally and academically. The time to act is now—because every child deserves to grow in an environment that nurtures both their mind and soul to prepare them not just for a career but for life.
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Appoint School Counselors: Every school should have a dedicated mental health professional or counselors available to support students. Regular counseling sessions can help students navigate their challenges.
