Introduction

Importance of mental health:

Mental health is about a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Good mental health or being mentally sound would mean that one possesses a balanced mind, confidence and self-esteem. A mental illness is a problem that significantly affects how a person thinks, perceives and reacts.

The Mental Health Policy, 2014 upholds a participatory and rights-based approach for quality service provisions.  The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 provides the legal framework for providing services to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of people with mental illnesses. These are in line with the United Nations Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

In light of the recently hosted International G20 Summit in India this year in September and with the World Mental Health Day in the following month of October, it is a great time to reflect on the state of mental health in this country, as well as the exciting future it holds as a leader for mental health promotion. This editorial discusses three main topics:

(i)                 the growing awareness of mental health in India,

(ii)                the contribution of westernization/development to increasing certain mental health issues in India, and

(iii)              the contributions that India can share for the world’s future mental health. These include innovative public health work and traditional spiritual practices with the potential for preventing and treating mental health issues.

(https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/latest-studies/story/36-indian-employees-suffering-from-mental-health-issues-survey-1727303-2020-10-01)

(https://peerj.com/articles/cs-1042/)

Parents build our future nation:

As a parent, you play a huge role in supporting your child's mental well-being. Nurturing and loving care build a strong foundation, helping your child to develop the social and emotional skills they need to lead a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.   

Participation of parents

Parental and guardian participation in school-sponsored activities to raise mental health awareness should be encouraged. It can involve organising seminars or meetings between teachers and parents to discuss themes related to mental health, sharing resources and information, and fostering open communication between the home and the institution that the student attends.

Tips:

1. Make sure you’ve got good social support around you. Try to have some alone time, so you can have some space for yourself.
2. Your child wants to be liked and accepted by people around them. Being accepted by you is the first step toward building confidence.
3. Be mindful of the examples you set. Your child looks to you and picks up on your emotions and how you respond to different situations.

4.   Listen: Actively try to listen to what they are saying without letting your thoughts and judgement guide the conversation. Respect and encourage your child’s opinion.

Acknowledge: Assure them that you understand their thoughts and feelings, encourage them to be open with you and reassure that you are there for them. Remind them that you were this age once too and remember experiencing the same feelings.

Offer solutions: Ask them if they have thought about what might need to change – “What do you think should be done?” If they haven’t, offer to listen and talk it through with them. Support them with what they need to feel better.

5.   Remember: Patience and consistency are key. (Your child might be expressing less affection towards you and sometimes seem rude or short-tempered.)

6. Any form of violence, including shouting and hitting. When a child lives in a negative environment it can cause “toxic stress” – harming the child’s growth and development – as well as long term problems in later life.

For GEN Z’s: our future nation

Mental health education for students is indeed as important as academic education. Students who receive adequate support and resources to nurture their mental well – being are more likely to excel academically. By addressing mental health concerns at an early stage, schools equip students with essential life skills such as resilience, empathy and effective stress management. Students who are aware of mental health issues have a better issue have a better understanding and ability to control their feelings. It helps children identify and articulate their feelings, which contributes to developing their emotional intelligence.

Tips

 Start Valuing Yourself
You should not compare yourself with others. Treating yourself with kindness and respect in every possible situation is the best way to take care of yourself.

Start Taking Care of Your Body
The body is your abode. Especially for students, during their growing age self-care is very important. You can take care of yourself by doing following things such as:

• Having a well-balanced diet.
• Exercising regularly
• Drinking plenty of water
• Take enough sleep
• Taking out time for things you enjoy

Invest Your Time on Yourself
  You should at least invest some time of the day in self-development. Reading self-development books, writing or developing new skills such as swimming, dancing or playing musical instruments are some great ways to develop yourself as an individual and to spend your time creatively.

Learn to Deal with Stress
Stress has become a part of students’ lives. It could be because of academic pressure, peer pressure and exam pressure. To deal with stress, you can try going out for walks and practising yoga. Some students also find listening to music and watching funny videos calming and relaxing.

 Calm Your Mind
Mental health is about how students think, feel and behave. A peaceful mind is necessary for handling stress and to do better in academics as well as co-curricular activities.  Starting your day with positive affirmations is a great way to boost your mood early in the morning. A quick meditation session and positive self-talk can also be helpful.

 Set Realistic Goals
Sometimes students set unrealistic goals which cause stress to them when not fulfilled. You can start setting small goals. Completing small tasks slowly will give you a sense of accomplishment.

 Reward Yourself on Achievements
Keep yourself happy by celebrating your achievements. Rewarding your achievements is a great way to keep yourself on the path of hard work and success.

 Get Help if You Need It
If you have a feeling that you are not able to handle things all by yourself, seeking help is the best thing to do. Talk to your parents, teachers, and counsellors at school. They can guide you the best.

Role Of Schools in the journey of Children's Mental Awareness:

Counselling and mentoring for all classes students provided them with an opportunity to discuss their academic and behavioral problems, to sharpen their communication skills, to build up their confidence and to use life skills to cope up with challenging times. Students were provided with exam and study skills, importance of time management, importance of listening and speaking skills. The following is a list of significant ways in which schools contribute to the awareness of mental health.

Emotional Intelligence

The mental health of a child has a substantial impact on the academic success of that youngster. Children with a healthy mental state can concentrate more easily, remember the material more completely, and participate more actively in learning. Children who are aware of mental health issues are better able to control their stress and worry, which improves their ability to concentrate and motivates them to do well in school.

Academics and extra curriculum

A mental health education can be incorporated into a school's curriculum, where pupils will learn about various topics, including stress management, coping skills, and emotional states and disorders. Schools can assist pupils in understanding and normalising mental health conditions by offering age-appropriate information. It helps reduce stigma and encourages empathy.

Safe and secure environment

Educational institutions must work toward developing secure and encouraging communities that prioritise students' mental health. It involves establishing anti-bullying policies, promoting a healthy school climate, and providing resources for students to consult to receive assistance and support. School student counsel and peer educator make the environment safe and secure. So that students are at ease expressing issues related to their mental health, schools can promote inclusivity, respect, and empathy among their student body.

Professional helps 

When providing students with support services, schools can work with mental health specialists like counsellors and psychologists. Students who are having difficulties with their mental health can receive early intervention, assessment, and therapy. Additionally, schools can conduct workshops or meetings with mental health professionals for students, parents, and educators to raise awareness and provide direction.

Little Flowers Group of Schools and Mental Health Awareness

In the contemporary era of rapid lifestyles and frequently demanding circumstances, the significance of mental health assumes paramount importance. At Little Flowers Public Sr. Sec. School, Shivaji Park we firmly uphold the belief that nurturing the mental well – being of our students encompasses a crucial element of their overall development. Our aim, through the provision of ample resources, support and knowledge, is to empower our students in leading emotionally resilient and successful lives. By collectively dispelling the stigma associated with mental health, our objective is to foster a healthier and more content educational community. LFPS remains steadfast in cultivating an environment where students not only excel academically, but also thrive in a comprehensive manner.

Time to time organized seminar and webinar on the topics “Memorabilia from stigma to smile” by Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, of Expression India, “Green Mind” by Dr. Mahua Dutta, of Amity University “Beyond on my norms” by Dr. Jyoti Tripathi, of NIFT/ Sthir – The Mind’s Clinic students be educated to respect each other and be confident to go counsellors for help. Organized street plays by “Asmita groups”.  The students counsel, national level of peer educators and counsellors must sensitize the students’ issues. Group counselling or individual counselling be done. There should be family school partnership to handle behaviour issues.

As a part of counselling and mentoring classes, students were motivated to balance their academic work and hobbies, extracurricular activities to keep them happy and reduce their anxieties and fear.

They were provided with exam and study skills, to practice through writing, taking short breaks, eating healthy and balanced food, exercising regularly, stay away from gadgets. They were provided time to time tips on time management and stress management.

National Education Policy was conducted highlighting the reforms which would come in the 21^st century. It would be experiential learning, more practical, flexible, relating to real life experiences like visits to the old age homes, villages, museums, nature walk, community work and also focus on their skill-based things like entrepreneur ability.  Mélange are entrepreneur platform. In this student were made different items like Eco crusader (organic soaps, oils, millets soaps, home decors items), Master Chef’s Kitchen (millets drinking health powders, millet snacks, sandwiches and many more), Ajab Gazb Duniya (offline gaming like newton bucket’s, sand and coin, Wire loop and many more).