By: Monica Aviles
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2019, 47,511 individuals died by suicide. On average, there are 130 suicides per day (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention).
Raising awareness is always important, whether it’s about racial issues, gender inequality, etc. Since 1949, May has been a time to raise awareness of mental health, and those who struggle with mental disorders. Advocacy, spreading awareness, educating others, all help to reduce the stigma.
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Many of these disorders go undiagnosed, and many do not get the proper treatment they need. This is mainly due to the fact that there are misunderstandings when it comes to the topic of mental health. That is why mental health should be added to the school curriculum
Yes, English, Math, Science, and all the other subjects are extremely important when it comes to young people. However, why can’t physical health be just as important and taught as mental health?
Starting from Elementary school, students are having P.E. (physical education). When a child accidentally trips while running, you tend to their injured leg since the pain is very much visible. When a child is struggling on the inside, most of the time, it goes unnoticed.
At some point in our lives, we face mental health challenges or support someone who is having a mental health crisis. We also experience a variety of emotions throughout our lives: fear, anxiety, happiness, enthusiasm, and lots more of positive or negative feelings. Allowing conversations about mental health to be more common, allows younger students to open up more. The commonality of the topic will help students understand that their emotions are valid.
For elementary schools, teachers should implement certain strategies or advice around mental health. This subject may cause anxiety or fear among younger students, so it’s important to take on the subject in a lighter manner. For example, teaching them the concept of meditation or mindfulness and how it helps relieve stress and anxiety is a great way to start.
For junior high (middle school) and high schools, the subject of mental health should be mandatory just as physical education is. Learning about certain disorders, how education can impact student’s mental health, learning coping skills, and many other important topics should be discussed.
The impact of bullying should also come into the teachings, especially since it is very common in schools. About 20% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide (stopbullying.gov). Bullying can have a lasting impact on both those who are getting bullied, and those who are bullying. Students who experience bullying have an increased risk of facing depression, anxiety, and insecurities.
Mental health problems can lead to lower academics, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating which all affect the student’s behavior in the school environment. Knowledge about mental health will help younger generations and future generations to erase old conspiracies about mental health. Mental health is a vital part of our lives, it’s important that we check – in with ourselves, and the people around us.
Monica Aviles
Monica Aviles ('21) is a senior, and is in her second year of writing for the arts & entertainment section. The majority of her writing revolves around culture, activism, and different forms of art. Outside of the Gigantea, Monica is on the girl's wrestling team, president of the asl club, and is involved with many other clubs like Red Ink. You can reach her by email at monic.av3959@vusd.us
Tags: education, mental health, opinion, youth
