As teachers, we understand that mental health is a big part of a student’s life and needs to be addressed. Many educators are making an effort to include mental health awareness in their curriculums. It is an important issue, particularly for young people who may have more difficult times with mental illness, and it’s vital that we make sure students have access to information about what they should look out for and how to get help.
As a society, we are becoming more open to the idea that mental health is just as important as physical health and wellness. This shift is being accelerated by younger generations who are more vocal about their own experiences with mental health. Personal narratives, tv shows, podcasts and social media are all helping to reduce stigma. Despite this, we are still seeing an increase in referrals to treatment and waiting lists. It is possible that the rise in awareness has coincided with a rise in prevalence, but this needs to be empirically tested.
The truth is that a large number of people who suffer from mental illnesses do not receive the treatment they need. This leads to increased medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, and a higher risk of suicide. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in those aged 10 to 24, and we cannot let it continue to happen. If the messages circulating around mental health are causing distress, or if they encourage people to view their symptoms as their fault, then we must find a new approach that is more helpful for everyone involved.