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MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES IN SCHOOL
Young students are seriously affected by mental health issues every day. They carry the stress of succeeding academically while maintaining extracurriculars and a social life. The interaction they receive at home with their family will affect their psyches- maybe even for the rest of their lives. Now is the time where their self confidence suffers and they are unsure in their beliefs and actions. Students, due to their age and mental constitution, are uniquely suited to developing mental health problems. As the next generation of minds, it is important that we provide for them and support them throughout their youth and into adulthood.
With no guarantee of a mental health support system outside school, reaching out or having access to counseling is difficult. Additionally, within many societies, there is a constant and harsh stigma surrounding mental health. Asking for mental help or talking about receiving it is considered a taboo topic, as asking for help means admitting you have a problem. Even within areas in which therapy and counseling are looked upon in a positive light, the younger generations are treated as if they have a guaranteed healthy physical and mental constitution. They may be shamed for looking for resources simply because of their age.
As many countries do not put much importance towards mental health, there is also simply a lack of mental health infrastructure. Mental health services may be almost inaccessible depending on where you grow up. Without counselors, psychiatric medicine, or specialized therapists, many kids have no chance at receiving the help they need. This is why the use of mental health facilities in school is necessary.
Childhood and young adulthood are key developmental times, where mental health problems have a higher chance of originating. The potential to reach out and help students during an important time of their lives is huge and should be taken advantage of. By placing mental health facilities in easy access of students, and by encouraging or mandating participation and counseling, students will see a rise in overall mental health and will have a fighting chance at combating any pre existing issues.
Following the recent isolation and pandemic, depression and anxiety within kids and young adults has increased. It is important that students have unbiased and nonjudgmental adults to speak to about their worries and mental health issues. Without a safe space, even with the resources and access, they may ultimately choose to never reach out.
Why hold back these resources from those who will benefit so much from it?