Impacts of Mental Health
Based on the understanding that 1 in 5 people in Canada experience mental illness, it is reasonable to assume that in a class of 25 students, about 5 may be struggling with issues pertaining to their mental health. Furthermore, even more students may be battling with heightened stress, self-confidence issues, or other mental wellness issues not necessarily labelled as mental illness. The Canadian Mental Health Association makes it clear that mental illness does not discriminate between gender, age, socio-economic status, race, or culture. It has potential impacts for many people, especially when considering that family and friends are also impacted by those directly experiencing mental illness. A students ability to be successful in school and life beyond school will be influenced by their mental health.
"People who are mentally healthy:
Government of Alberta (n.d.) Mental health in schools. Retrieved from https://www.alberta.ca/mental-health-in-schools.aspx
- Have a sense of contentment
- can deal with stress and bounce back from adversity
- have a sense of purpose and meaning
- can build up and maintain fulfilling relationships
- are flexible and can adapt to change
- balance work and play, rest and activity
- have self-confidence and high self-esteem."
Government of Alberta (n.d.) Mental health in schools. Retrieved from https://www.alberta.ca/mental-health-in-schools.aspx
As evident in the list of benefits above, people who are experiencing issues with mental health and mental illness are less able to be successful. This is especially prevalent when considering the high expectations that students across all levels are held to. If students do not have their mental health needs met, they will likely be unsuccessful in school, which can elevate further anxieties and stress.
What is the difference between mental health and mental illness?
In order to address these issues within schools, it is important to understand the differences between mental health and mental illness. Establishing a common language between students, parents, teachers, counsellors, and administrators allows for clearer communication between these parties and could also help build more effective "pathways to care" (Alberta Health Services, n.d. p. 1).
Image 1
"The four quadrants are representational only and the two arrows suggest two continuums of possibilities; dependent on an individual’s strengths, resources and life context." (Government of Alberta 2017, p.10)
To ensure young people enter society as productive, contributing individuals, they must be given opportunities to be successful in school. Ultimately, it is substantially more difficult to succeed and thrive in school environments whilst battling with issues of mental health or mental illness.
Click on the button below to view some strategies for addressing mental health in the classroom.
Click on the button below to view some strategies for addressing mental health in the classroom.
Image 2
References:
Government of Alberta (n.d.) Mental health in schools. Retrieved from https://www.alberta.ca/mental-health-in-schools.aspx
Government of Alberta (2017). Working Together to Support Mental Health in Alberta Schools. Retrieved from https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/e403b1b4-4232-4a3d-a9d4-f01098218f9d/resource/91d0b431-5a3f-4192-af68-b35a427c817e/download/working-together-to-support-mental-health.pdf
Images:
Image 1: Government of Alberta (2017). Working Together to Support Mental Health in Alberta Schools. p. 10. Retrieved from https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/e403b1b4-4232-4a3d-a9d4-f01098218f9d/resource/91d0b431-5a3f-4192-af68-b35a427c817e/download/working-together-to-support-mental-health.pdf
Image 2: Story Blocks (n.d.) "silhouette of people" Retrieved from https://www.videoblocks.com/video/silhouette-of-people-rejoicing-and-lifting-up-his-hands-a-group-of-successful-businessmen-happy-and-celebrate-the-victory-on-the-roof-of-the-business-center-slow-motion-hhrqhg5lzj2tckekb
Government of Alberta (n.d.) Mental health in schools. Retrieved from https://www.alberta.ca/mental-health-in-schools.aspx
Government of Alberta (2017). Working Together to Support Mental Health in Alberta Schools. Retrieved from https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/e403b1b4-4232-4a3d-a9d4-f01098218f9d/resource/91d0b431-5a3f-4192-af68-b35a427c817e/download/working-together-to-support-mental-health.pdf
Images:
Image 1: Government of Alberta (2017). Working Together to Support Mental Health in Alberta Schools. p. 10. Retrieved from https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/e403b1b4-4232-4a3d-a9d4-f01098218f9d/resource/91d0b431-5a3f-4192-af68-b35a427c817e/download/working-together-to-support-mental-health.pdf
Image 2: Story Blocks (n.d.) "silhouette of people" Retrieved from https://www.videoblocks.com/video/silhouette-of-people-rejoicing-and-lifting-up-his-hands-a-group-of-successful-businessmen-happy-and-celebrate-the-victory-on-the-roof-of-the-business-center-slow-motion-hhrqhg5lzj2tckekb