Introduction
Mental health is a subject that has been recently popularized. However, it has been stigmatized for many years due to the lack of understanding of the problem. It is certain that currently, more people are openly talking about it and addressing aspects of it through therapy and medication. A group that is primarily suffering from a lack of resources when it comes to psychological health is teenagers. The youth is vulnerable to such conditions due to hormonal changes, bullying, pressure, and other factors impacting their overview of themselves and the world. Moreover, some minorities are most prone to experiencing mental health problems. According to researchers, LGBT youth often report thoughts of suicide, depression, and other conditions related to poor psychological well-being (Rhoades et al., 2018). Since teens often encounter such issues, addressing them by teaching mental health in schools may be a solution that can mitigate specific challenges.
Physical vs. Mental Health
While schools offer information in regards to biology, psychology is not as widely discussed. However, treating or controlling psychological conditions is just as important as addressing physical ones. Nutrition, biology, and anatomy can give individuals the necessary information when it comes to taking care of the body and having a healthy lifestyle. On the other hand, young people have to know that emotional well-being may illustrate itself through psychosomatic externalizations. Hence, physical and mental health has to be considered as two aspects within one domain and discussed as such by teachers or specialized experts in the field.
Mitigating Future Issues
Certain mental conditions can show themselves during adolescence. Young people do not have the necessary tools to address feelings and emotions that they have not experienced prior. Teaching some of the symptoms and how to control them or where to receive help can give these individuals an understanding that their current state is manageable. Instead of isolating themselves and thinking it is temporary without asking for help, teens will be able to receive assistance. Moreover, they are more likely to be cautious with their conditions in their adult years. Having the necessary tools early on may mitigate the risk of worsening symptoms, resulting in more controlled crisis situations.
School Risks
There are multiple reasons to implement mental health classes in schools. The first reason is that schools are environments where children and teenagers learn to communicate with each other. A lack of adequate communication skills may result in bullying and hierarchical structures. While the dominant people suppress the more vulnerable ones, their counterparts tend to feel isolated and even develop depression. Mental health classes would allow both parties to understand what causes their behavior and how it affects others. Such measures will be beneficial for both aggressors and victims since a psychological assessment and information sharing will allow people to look at themselves subjectively. Perhaps, such aspects will result in them changing their behavior for the best or receiving the necessary help.
Conclusion
Implementing mental health classes in schools can be an adequate solution to the crisis that often affects teenagers. Individuals will understand how to mitigate certain psychological problems, where to go to receive professional help, and when to be more cautious in regard to specific conditions that may occur. Moreover, such measures will help the youth realize the importance of addressing mental health, the significance of taking care of their well-being, and some symptoms that need to be further analyzed to prevent more severe conditions. Since teenagers are vulnerable to such issues, it is essential to pay attention to this problem by implementing classes that would provide them with the necessary information.
References
Rhoades, H., Rusow, J. A., Bond, D., Lanteigne, A., Fulginiti, A., & Goldbach, J. T. (2018). Homelessness, mental health and suicidality among LGBTQ youth accessing crisis services. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 49(4), 643–651. Web.