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Let's Talk About Mental Health


 In the U.S., we are fortunate to have gained an increased awareness of mental health's importance. As I unpack the research and my own experiences, I hope to be sensitive to others who might be having difficulty with their mental health. My hope is not to make you feel inadequate but to empower you to make healthy changes for yourself and those in your life who love you.

In a previous post, I shared that I used to joke about being born with anxiety. Later I learned that joke was partly true. My mother was experiencing some mental health challenges of her own before and after my birth. Post-partum depression was not yet treated with the level of care most mothers receive today. So for a long time, she did not have the outlet or ability to take care of her mental health in the way that she needed to. As research has shown, a mother's mental health can have an effect on a child even in the womb. Her story is not uncommon. 

As a teacher, I see an increasing amount of children who are developing anxiety or depression. Mental health has become an important focus for me because of my own experiences growing up and my ever-growing concern for my students' well-being. So what can we do to bridge the gap? How can we as teachers empower our students to find healthy coping strategies for their bodies when they are in fight-or-flight mode? I am still navigating an answer to those questions. It seems to be different for each child, but we can look to other countries and see what they are doing to help their children and communities thrive.

According to Synergy Health Programs, Australia has taken a more community-based approach to its mental health programs instead of a more institutionalized approach. This has been considered very effective, and many are now experiencing healthier lives because of it. When we talk about raising children, I often hear the phrase "It takes a village," and I believe this applies to helping someone become well again. 

Although we may not have the type of quality community care that Australia has, we can still be there for others struggling with their mental health. For our students, we can empower them by teaching them how to cope with their emotions. We can also contribute to the conversation and destigmatize mental health differences. Each person is unique, and so is their relationship with their mental health. I have found that often, just walking alongside someone as they navigate their mental health journey helps a lot. Being apart of their community of people who want to help and see them get better. As someone who is navigating her own mental health issues, the people who walk alongside me have proven to be an invaluable part of my healing journey. My encouragement to others who might be struggling is to just take one step at a time and to celebrate every step forward. You've got this. You are loved, and every step towards healing matters.


Art by Charlie Mackesy

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat

If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)

Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

Source: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help

Comments

  1. Hilda Vargas (De Lara)January 24, 2021 at 9:09 PM

    Hello Itze,
    Wow! Mental Health is a serious concern with our students today. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Children can develop the same mental health conditions as adults, but their symptoms may be different". I have also seen very young children experiencing mental issues that generally manifest in delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, behaviors, social skills or regulation of emotions. We certainly must help our students battle these issues in a timely manner. Allowing them to display their emotions is a huge start.

    ReplyDelete

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