SCHOOL HEALTH ISSUES: THE HIDDEN PAIN

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused extraordinary stress among students and educational
institutions worldwide. Since teachers are sometimes the first line of defense for their students,
mental health awareness is a crucial topic for all educators. Education professionals are aware of
how a student's mental health affects their learning and achievement, and they also understand
that there is a lot that can be done to support students who are struggling with mental health
difficulties. As a teacher, I applaud the fact that the function and curriculum of schools are
finally beginning to prioritize mental health awareness.

Post COVID-19 Mental Health Issues

Schools faced new hurdles in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, including the need to
immediately transfer classrooms to an online format, ensure equitable access for all students,
support instructors' and students' educational requirements, and plan in the face of significant
uncertainty. The pandemic itself has created a great deal of concern, stress, and grief. These
pressures can cause mental health problems for anyone and can trigger acute symptoms in
persons who already have mental health problems.

That's when we realized we had no choice but to stay at home. Classes were cancelled across the
country. We couldn't leave the house. Our students' structured lives at school were gradually
altered. So many families were brought together during that time. The parent invested a lot of
time and effort in coaching their kids through distance learning. Routines at school, however, are
essential coping techniques for students with mental health concerns. Students who have their
schools closed lose their sense of direction in life and run the risk of relapsing into their illnesses.
Somehow, during this time, they were able to maintain their school routines, and some depressed
students will find it difficult to return to their regular lives once classes resume. Some people
seclude themselves in their rooms for weeks after the schools are out, not eating, taking showers,
or getting out of bed. And since they were powerless, those years were incredibly difficult. They
were unable to see their friends, classmates and teachers.

Early Signs

Some of the common signs used by teachers to identify students with mental health issues may
not be available. Some professors may be unable to read the covered faces of their students. As a
result, teachers may question how pupils are doing or how much they are struggling, particularly
with regard to emotional issues. Systematic screening of the school population is a well-
established strategy for identifying students who are struggling with anxiety or depression.
Teachers may also be requested to recommend children who appear to be too worried or
regularly sad because they are the most aware about students' general behaviors and have the
most contact with them on a daily basis. When students are identified as being at risk for
emotional disorders, it is time to consult with school-based mental health professionals or
provide Psychological First Aid. After listening to the students' concerns and emotional
challenges, the teacher can provide help by understanding and reaching out to immediate family
members through home visits.

SUPPORT FOR GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

1. Offer an open conversation. Open communication with honesty and without being
judgmental aids in opening dialogues with students and determining if they are in danger.
Communication is an essential component of mental health recovery. They will be
understood if they are able to articulate their feelings. To avoid appearing frightening, it
is best to communicate with them on their level.

2. Involve them in activities such as in sport or in painting activities. Diverting their interest
if they are ready enough is a good start of recovery.

3. Encourage them to eat healthy foods. Healthy food helps them to be alert in school and
give them a lively day every day.

4. Generosity. A sincere smile, an empathic look, a cup of tea...these are tiny human
gestures that may mean so much in times of difficulty. Most importantly, make time to
listen when it is needed.

Mental Awareness

Schools are promoting and raising awareness of mental health, as well as providing a secure area
for children to express themselves. Teachers should collaborate with parents because the school,
after the home environment, plays a significant part in their growth. With the of the Teachers and
can seek to raise awareness among their students until mental health education is made
mandatory in all schools. The concept of self-care and responsibility for one's own mental health
and wellness, with an emphasis on the fact that mental health is an essential part of health, and
the concept of recovery from mental illness are key elements to highlight. They should be
provided with ways to recognize signs of developing mental health problems, and there should
be opportunities around the awareness and management of mental health crises, including the
risk of suicide or self-harm. Further, instruction should address the relationship between mental
health, substance abuse, and other negative coping behaviors, as well as the negative impact of
stigma and cultural attitudes toward mental illness. Since teenagers spend the majority of their
day at school, it only makes logical to incorporate mental health awareness and education into
the curriculum. Students will be able to acquire the assistance they require if we empower them
with knowledge and encourage dialogue.