Schools are vital for learning and development. They shape children, helping them become educated, capable adults. But within these sacred grounds, there’s often a silent struggle—the battle of mental well-being.

Have you ever thought about the stress students face, especially nowadays, and how it affects their overall health? While doing well in school is important, focusing solely on studies and exams shouldn’t be the only concern for schools or students. Schools are about more than just subjects and grades; they are about teaching morals, instilling discipline and guiding young people to be better individuals. Unfortunately, many schools overlook this aspect. It is worrying that studies show normal children today report more anxiety than child psychiatric patients in the 1950s.

Research indicates that the problem of alcohol and drug abuse is likely to continue, largely because anxiety often precedes substance abuse in students. Moreover, anxiety can harm physical health. Studies consistently show that people with anxiety have a higher mortality rate. This is likely due to the correlation between anxiety and increased occurrences of various health conditions such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and coronary heart disease.

So, we return to the same question: Why are students feeling so stressed? Is it the heavy load of education they face in school, or is the modern era equally stressful for students as it is for others? There isn’t a single specific reason, and that’s the issue. Nowadays, young students find themselves in situations where they don’t feel equipped to handle life’s challenges alongside their academic ones. While families and society have a role to play here, shouldn’t schools be doing more to ensure a stress-free environment for students to learn and grow, rather than obsessing solely over studies? After all, school is where children spend much of their childhood. So, how can we achieve this? How can we create a more supportive environment in schools?

Often, we see school students struggling to balance the demands of exams and extracurricular activities. The pressure to excel in both, along with others’ expectations and their personal challenges, can lead to overwhelming stress and anxiety. This significantly affects their mental well-being and academic performance in the long term. Sadly, many students are currently facing this challenge.

The traditional belief is that schools and educational institutions should primarily focus on academic success. While some institutions broaden their focus to include extracurricular activities, the need for mental health support is often overlooked and not prioritised. Why is this the case? Isn’t it time for a change in perspective? Isn’t it time to revolutionise how we approach education and health in schools? What’s holding us back? The answer lies in our individual and social mentality. Without openness to change, achieving real change becomes challenging.

One common misconception is that discussing mental health in schools might inadvertently reinforce the existence of problems and worsen their effects. This is untrue. Avoiding discussion of existing issues undermines the necessity of education and open communication in effectively addressing mental health. In reality, open dialogue about mental health creates an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help, encourages early intervention, and ultimately enhances overall well-being.

Mental health support in schools goes beyond addressing specific disorders; it involves creating a nurturing environment that fosters resilience, coping skills, and emotional intelligence among students. This holistic approach extends to all staff and teachers within the school community.

With the introduction of mental health support programmes, both students and teachers can experience positive changes in their mental well-being. Instead of struggling alone, they can learn new coping strategies and feel comfortable reaching out to friends, family and eventually the school counsellor when times get tough. This not only raises awareness and understanding of mental health but also fosters a supportive community for everyone involved. By prioritising mental health, schools cultivate a culture of empathy and support, where both students and teachers feel listened to and cared for.

Schools shouldn’t only focus on academic challenges; they should also address the complexities of life beyond the classroom. As we challenge this notion, we must open up conversations where everyone feels free and safe to question existing beliefs.

Mental health is a crucial issue in schools, perhaps one of the most pressing. While schools shape students’ academic journeys, they also influence their lives significantly. We carry the teachings and beliefs instilled in us by our schools throughout our lives. Addressing mental health doesn’t have to be complicated; it simply requires empathy and understanding towards others’ experiences. It’s about becoming better individuals not just for others, but for ourselves.