Despite the advancement in technology and sciences, there is still an area where we, as Americans, fall far behind. This is the area of dealing with mental health, particularly in educational and school settings. Though progress has been made in recent years, mental illness remains highly stigmatized—the mentally ill are often victims of shame, marginalization, or outright mistreatment. Not solely in America but all around the world, mental illness is stigmatized. There are various types of stigmas, all of which need to be properly dealt with.
Public stigma, self-stigma, and institutional stigma are all pervasive and contribute to the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues, especially children navigating the education system. Unfortunately, the current educational system often lacks the tools and resources to address these challenges effectively and provide adequate support and education for students with mental health issues. This presents a significant problem that demands better solutions for our children.
It is crucial to acknowledge that stigmatization of mental health is not limited to any particular race or ethnicity. However, African American communities often experience more pronounced negative reactions to mental health care than other racial and ethnic groups. This long-standing stigma within black communities must be addressed and overcome. Many individuals within these communities choose denial over confronting the issue, unaware of the available support for them and their families. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that all children receive the education they deserve regardless of their mental health challenges.
To tackle these issues, we must fundamentally transform our relationship with neurodiversity and mental illness within the educational system. First and foremost, investing in comprehensive mental health training for educators and school staff is imperative. This training should address effectively identifying and supporting students with mental health challenges. Additionally, schools should establish dedicated counseling services that are readily accessible to students, ensuring they have a safe space to discuss and seek help for their mental health concerns.
Another essential solution is to integrate mental health education into the curriculum. By providing students with accurate and age-appropriate information about mental health, we can foster understanding, empathy, and destigmatization from an early age. This will create a more inclusive and compassionate learning environment where students can feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear of judgment or ridicule.
Moreover, schools should collaborate with mental health professionals and community organizations to develop a network of support for students and their families. This includes facilitating access to counseling services, organizing workshops and peer support groups, and establishing referral systems for specialized care when needed. Building strong partnerships within the community will ensure a holistic approach to addressing mental health challenges in education. There are many complexities regarding mental illness.
Internal medicine specialist and author, Dr. Amy Chai Mental says, “Illness is a defining factor in many people’s lives, especially for the children of those afflicted. Lack of access to adequate mental health care and the stigma surrounding it remain the primary reasons for untreated mental health disorders. Half of all mental illnesses will begin before age 14, and 75% will occur before age 24. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through public schools has been touted as the solution to behavioral and emotional issues in young children. Still, its values align with Critical Justice Theory and are politically loaded and ideologically driven, leading to anxiety, depression, and confusion in children. Instead, a multi-pronged approach to addressing mental health in children is proposed, including eliminating cell phone use in schools during school hours, restorative discipline practices, mental health education, alternative educational tracks, and investing SEL money in improving access to mental health care for children and their families. Early intervention is key to preventing more children from ending up with untreated mental health disorders that can lead to life-altering issues like addiction and incarceration.”
Firstly, investing in comprehensive mental health training for educators is essential. Teachers play a pivotal role in the lives of students, and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to identify and support students with mental health challenges is crucial. By providing educators with specialized training, they can better understand the signs and symptoms of various mental health conditions, learn effective strategies for supporting students’ emotional well-being, and gain insights into available resources and referral pathways. This training should encompass a range of topics, such as recognizing common mental health disorders, understanding the impact of mental health on academic performance, fostering a supportive classroom environment, and implementing appropriate interventions when necessary.
Secondly, integrating mental health education into the curriculum is vital for promoting student awareness and understanding. By incorporating age-appropriate mental health education into various subjects, we can help reduce stigma and foster empathy towards individuals facing mental health challenges. This can be achieved by developing educational materials that provide accurate information about different mental health conditions, their prevalence, potential causes, available treatments, and strategies for maintaining good mental well-being. Additionally, discussions on coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and building resilience can empower students to take care of their own mental health while promoting a supportive culture within schools.
Lastly, adopting a proactive approach to destigmatizing mental health challenges is crucial in creating an inclusive educational environment. This involves challenging misconceptions, promoting open dialogue, and creating safe spaces for students to discuss their mental health concerns without fear of judgment or discrimination. Schools can organize awareness campaigns, workshops, and events to educate the entire school community about mental health, emphasizing the importance of empathy, acceptance, and support. By fostering a culture that values mental well-being and encourages seeking help when needed, we can break down barriers and ensure that students feel comfortable accessing the necessary resources and support systems.
Addressing the stigmatization of mental health challenges in education requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in comprehensive mental health training for educators, integrating mental health education into the curriculum, and adopting a proactive approach to destigmatization are key steps toward creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment. By implementing these measures, we can ensure that children with mental health challenges receive the necessary support to thrive academically and emotionally.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, July 24, 2023
Amy Fogelstrom Chai, MD, MS, is an Internist, an Epidemiologist, and an Addiction Medicine Specialist with a passion for mental health and addiction solutions. After taking time off to homeschool her children, she returned to work as a physician. She currently serves as the medical director of a methadone treatment program, fighting the opioid epidemic. Dr. Chai plans to prevent mental health and addiction problems before they start. She ran for US Congress in 2022.