Importance Of Mental Health Education

1002 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Hypothesis of suicidal behavior among teenagers

Mental Health Education for Teachers
Why should teachers have mental health training? Because they could help reduce the amount of student suicides. Teens all over the world have mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, and even kill themselves. Teachers, if they have the appropriate education, can talk to those students, help them to deal with those issues, and assist them to obtain further help outside of school. Others say that there are enough programs in place; such as helplines, websites, and the guidance counselors in school are there to talk to the student and help them. Teachers should have mental health training because there is a correlation between teen suicide, and mental health; teachers often miss the signs of depression in students, …show more content…

There is a book about a girl named Rita who went through depression and she didn’t have many friends so she looked to teachers for companionship. “ ...hasn’t made any friend, spends most of her time with a few teachers she trusts,...” (Classroom) This shows that teachers have a huge influence on students with depression and other mental health issues. Teachers may only see this as a cry for attention or as them just being a teenager, but they should take the following into consideration. “If you’re unsure if an adolescent in your life is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have been present, how severe they are, and how different the teen is acting from his or her usual self.” (Smith) Most teachers do not heed this fact and just try to deal with the student’s problem as one that is temporary rather than something that may be a much deeper issue. Moreover students often develop their mental health issues or find out they have mental health issues in schools. “...bullying is a major contributing factor to teenaged depression...” (Classroom) Teachers can help this issue from even developing or cutting it short if they have the proper education. While some people may think that teachers need mental health education others think that there are enough programs in place to help …show more content…

Those programs are helplines, websites, and they even have a guidance counselor in the school to talk to if necessary. All of these are great resources for teens, and some are even programmed just for teens, the issue is some teens don’t even know that these programs exist. Also teens may not like these programs and don’t feel comfortable talking to strangers. Another thing about these programs is that some programs are only offered in some areas. “Our mission is to reduce youth suicide attempts and deaths in Washington State.” (Need) This a good program that offers education about depression for teachers, but it is only offered in Washington. There are simply not enough courses taken place all around to educate teachers and teens on mental health issues and suicide prevention.
So in conclusion mental health issues and suicides in teens are intertwined and teachers will often miss signs and not be equipped or educated to talk to the student if they come to them for advice or solace. Teachers need mental health education to be able to aid their students who may not even know they have that issue or be able to talk to others about it. Teachers could reduce the number of student suicides. They could make a difference for the next generation and is that not what teachers want to do? What they are meant to do? What they are supposed to

Show More
Related

  • Rhetorical Analysis to Defend Mental Health in Schools Act

    749 Words  | 2 Pages

    Studies done by researchers have shown that at least one out of five students here in the United States of America experience or suffer from mental health disorders or illnesses. The attention these youths receive is very wanting. I was more than shocked to find that only 21% of the American youth with diagnosable mental disorders receive medical care and I had to emphasize this point in my letter. The remaining 80% are ignored. The increased numbers of untreated mental illnesses have turned out to be very tragic. The end results have been increased rates of suicides among children who fall between the ages of ten and fourteen. In fact suicide is now among one of the leading causes of deaths for young youths between ages of 15 and 24. Cases of homicide and school bullying have also increased as a result. In my letter to the senator, I sensitized that many students usually dr...

    Read More

  • What Caused the Virginia Tech massacre

    1493 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...e people advocating for better mental health care. Parents and teachers are more likely to recognize the development of depression and should be educated on what they can do to help their student and child. Since it is proven that depression can lead to violence, qualified psychologists should be readily available on campus to help students faster than outside of the school. If not that, then schools, like George Mason University, can spread awareness of depression and sponsor programs or info sessions where their students learn of depression and what they can do to help others who may be victims of depression. Baby steps like these, as well as implementing a solution practical in the modern technology-era, can accumulate and develop into a strategically effective means of preventing school shootings caused by depression across the country in each and every school.

    Read More

  • Review Of Michael Graziano 's An Inconvenient Child

    1005 Words  | 3 Pages

    Mental illness in the classroom has become an issue that is important for teachers, not just parents, to look out for. According to Cinda Johnson, “Studies indicate that 1 in 5 adolescents have some sort of serious emotional, behavioral, or mental health problem”(Johnson). When adolescents spend half of their days in school, it is important that their teachers take the time to notice unusual signs their students may be showing them. Teachers have the opportunity and the influence to help students work toward a better future. In Graziano’s article, however, the teacher’s influence was spun the wrong way and led to mistreatment of the six-year-old boy and his learning disability. Johnson explains, “Effective teachers are “responsive to students’ problems and…emphasize reciprocity and the value of their students’ perspectives and feelings”(Johnson). The issue of disability in the classroom coincides with the issue of teacher and student trust in the classroom. In both articles there...

    Read More

  • 1.1 Explain The Role Of A Mental Health Consultant In Early Childhood Education

    1400 Words  | 3 Pages

    The role of mental health specialist is to promote healthy growth in young children’s social and emotional development. By focusing on guiding and supporting the children’s families and the caregivers to be involved in children’s lives. So, they can recognize and understand how to support the children’s social and emotional development. They can help identify and work in partnership with families and caregivers to help

    Read More

  • Mental Health Awareness And Improvement Act

    3093 Words  | 7 Pages

    In order to support mental health especially in children and adolescents several legislatures have been created. The current legislative issue that is being debated is the Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013. This bill has been created to strengthen the mental health system, reauthorize, and improve programs related to mental health and substance abuse. Title one of the legislation focuses on promotion of school wide prevention and the development of positive behavioral plans and support systems. Title two of the legislation focuses on suicide prevention, mental health awareness for teachers and helping children recover from traumatic events. ("US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions: Newsroom, 2013) The bill has been introduced and referred by the Committee on April 9, 2013. On April 10, 2013, the bill had been sent to the House for consideration. The bill has been app...

    Read More

  • Prevention of Mental Illness Policy

    1911 Words  | 4 Pages

    In 2003 President Bush’s created the, New Freedom Commission on Mental Health which outlines a plan to move forward in increasing early intervention and screening for children and adolescents. The report suggests that no one body or organization is charge of mental health care of children and adolescents. However schools and teachers are in the best position to provide support to young people because of the consistent exposure teachers have with their students. The report also suggests that because one’s mental health is so tightly intertwined with one’s educational success, that teachers play a vital role in identifying warning signs and linking students to services (Hogan et al., 2003, p. 58). These school based services have the potential to reach more vulnerable and potentially underserved populations with better opportunities to engage parents and the community in services. In order to provide optimum services, care, and proper interventions in schools things like stigma attached to receiving mental health services need to be addressed as well for students to feel comfortable obtaining care. The other necessity is also providing the teachers and counselors in schools the proper training and support based on evidenced based practices (Mills et al. 2006, p.155).

    Read More

  • Teenage Suicide In America

    668 Words  | 2 Pages

    Today, teenage suicide is considered a big issue in America. Many factors contribute to this action whether it is overdosing on alcohol and drugs, cutting ones wrist with a sharp object, or pulling the trigger of a gun to put an end to their existence. Suicide is on the rise due to many factors such as family issues, social issues, and psychological issues. Increased education and awareness for the victims and their families could drastically reduce the number of suicide attempts yearly.

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Mental Health

    1180 Words  | 3 Pages

    Mental health is a crucial part of our being and has a profound effect on how we live our lives. It determines how we socialize, how we reason, how we deal with our emotions, and how we handle stress; and when impaired and/or neglected, it can have crippling effects on the way in which we function on a cognitive or even physical level. Anyone can become susceptible to mental illness or compromised mental well-being. However, throughout history mental health has often been overlooked by society and mental illness, in particular, has been long stigmatized. This has left many of those affected untreated, poorly treated, destitute, and even outcast from society. Through education and the changing attitudes of society, mental health treatment has

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On Why Should Schools Screen For Mental Illnesses

    1136 Words  | 3 Pages

    If schools screen for mental illnesses and suicidal tendencies because if it isn’t identified and treated it can worsen or cause other problems. Some minor depression can grow and develop into major depressive disorder. “ People who’ve been diagnosed as depressed in adolescence should be watched for new signs of depression

    Read More

  • Where Things Come Back Synthesis

    891 Words  | 2 Pages

    In his article, Michael E. Bratsis states, “Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for high school students after accidents and homicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Because so many high school students have commited suicide, it is crucial that more is done to help students with these thoughts and educate students about suicide prevention. Because there are many novels such as Where Things Come Back that feature such themes, reading these books can help students learn about the topic of suicide. “Schools have been sued for negligence for failing to notify parents if a student appears suicidal, get help for a student at risk of suicide, and adequately supervise an at-risk student.” Because many schools fail to recognize or educate students on suicidal behavior, it has contributed to the loss of several students.

    Read More

  • Stigmas Of Mental Health

    1303 Words  | 3 Pages

    School boards need to teach the subject, the dark perception of mental disorders needs to be lifted, and judgements need to be removed. In order for people to understand the issue, affected individuals need to be able to feel safe to speak out. Friends and families need to make an effort to understand mental disorders to provide support instead of derogatory labels. Teachers should provide extra time and accommodated assignments to reduce intensity of mental health issues within students. Mental illnesses are not the same as physical illnesses, therefore they should not be treated the same. Mental disorders are serious illnesses but they cannot be solved by natural sciences and medication. Increase of education and support is the solution to mental health issues and stigmas, because they will create an understanding within society. Only understanding the situation will spark support for research and treatments. The most prominent issue which stresses mental disorders is the lack of understanding which leaves affected individuals isolated. There has been more awareness of mental health through prominent figures speaking out, the creation of organizations such as DART, NIMH, and SPEAK at Central Academy, and increased funds such as the National Mental Health Fund. Progress still needs to be continuously made to resolve mental health stigmas and

    Read More

  • Traumatic Events In School

    516 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the United States, 26% of children experience a traumatic event before they turn 4. 15 times of people are more likely to attempt suicide if they have gone through a traumatic event (National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention).It is important for school staff to take action. The students are the future and they shouldn't get to a point where they are contemplating suicide. Teachers impact students live more than they think.

    Read More

  • Should Mental Illness Be Taught In Schools

    834 Words  | 2 Pages

    It’s most likely that mental illness can be caused by heredity, but that’s not alway the case it’s been seen through testing that it can be from trauma and stress, which can cause mental illness and are common causes. And kids in school can easily get stressed out from tests,schoolwork, bad grades, teachers,etc. It can easily start at home, too with parents putting pressure on their kid to do well or, mentally and or physically abusing them in worse cases. At some times it can be too much and it can easily trigger anxiety or depression. If somebody doesn’t know what they’re dealing with it could get worse. If schools could teach mental illness, and provide more options than just a school counselor, then kids could know the warning signs and get help before they deal with it themselves in a less healthful way than talking about it like suicide or self harm being common. In the past 18 years, suicide rates have gone up by twenty four percent, Self harm increasing a tremendous sixty percent showing that at least half is coming from bullying or

    Read More

  • Depression and anxiety among college students

    1096 Words  | 3 Pages

    This could result in students with more suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide. In fact, the number of students with suicidal thoughts has tripled over the past 13 years as the number of students seeking help for depression doubled in the same span (Lindsey 2009). Depression can affect these teens in other areas of their life as well. The students who reported that they were depressed also reported that they considered their health fair or poor (Lindsey 2009). In their cases, depression not only affects them psychologically but also physically.

    Read More

  • Teen Suicide: A Growing Problem

    1535 Words  | 4 Pages

    Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds, and the sixth leading cause for 5 to 14 year olds. Suicide accounts for twelve percent of the mortality in the adolescent and young adult group. Young males are more common than young woman suicides. These are only children who followed through with the suicide. For every successful suicide there are fifty to one hundred adolescent suicide attempts. In other words, more than five percent of all teenagers tried to commit suicide, and the number is still rising. It is scary to think that four percent of high school students have made a suicide attempt within the previous twelve months. In a small safe town like Avon, in the Avon High School where you and I practically live, you can see the faces of 22 students that have tried to commit suicide. That is enough to fill a classroom.

    Read More

More about Importance Of Mental Health Education

Open Document