Tackling the mental health crisis in schools

There is a growing need for schools in Goa to step up the efforts to help students struggling with increasing mental health issues like anxiety and depression

PETER FLORIANO BORGES

As we reflect on World Mental Health Day 2024, observed yesterday, one pressing question looms large for educators, administrators, and school leaders: Is your school doing enough to address the mental health needs of its students?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven adolescents globally grapples with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues have only intensified, with cases of anxiety and depression rising by an alarming 25% worldwide.

Here in Goa, the effects are being felt acutely, with many students struggling with the aftershocks of isolation, disrupted learning, and an increase in bullying and cyberbullying.

So, we must ask ourselves: Are Goa’s schools ready to confront this mental health crisis head-on?

Think about it—how often do you hear about mental health in the daily discourse at school? The reality is that while Goa’s students are facing serious mental health challenges, schools are often underprepared to offer them the necessary support. Teachers are overwhelmed, and administrators frequently feel out of their depth, lacking both the resources and training to intervene effectively.

Mental health issues in schools often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Bullying in Goa’s schools is escalating, with reports of both physical and emotional bullying on the rise. The threat doesn’t stop at the school gates—cyberbullying is becoming a growing concern, as students face harassment and exclusion online, often without any oversight or intervention. The aftermath of such bullying can be severe, leading to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

Depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders too are rampant among students. Without early intervention, these issues can lead to academic decline, social isolation, and, in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide.

Alarmingly, less than 10% of schools in Goa have full-time counsellors or psychologists on staff. Doesn’t that number strike you as shockingly low? When students face a mental health crisis, who can they turn to if schools aren’t equipped with trained professionals? How long can schools afford to stand by and hope these issues resolve themselves?

The mental health crisis among adolescents demands immediate action, and schools are in a unique position to lead the charge. Here are five key steps schools can take right now:

1. Integrate mental health into the curriculum: Mental health is as important as academic success. Schools must integrate mental health education into their curriculum to raise awareness and teach students coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, anxiety, and bullying. If we want students to succeed in life, we must equip them with the emotional tools to handle challenges.

2. Train teachers and staff: Teachers are often the first line of defence in identifying mental health issues in students. Yet many are not equipped to recognise the early signs of depression, anxiety, or trauma. Schools need to invest in training programmes for teachers and staff so they can offer support before it’s too late.

3. Hire mental health professionals: Every school needs access to a trained mental health professional, whether a counsellor or psychologist, who can offer guidance, conduct early interventions, and provide ongoing support to students. These professionals are not a luxury but a necessity in today’s school environment.

4. Combat cyberbullying: The digital world is not going away, and schools must equip students to navigate it safely. Schools must implement programmes that teach digital literacy and online safety, and establish clear policies for addressing cyberbullying.

5. Engage parents and communities: Schools need to work closely with parents and communities to create a supportive environment for students both at school and at home. Holding regular discussions on mental health can empower parents to recognise signs of distress and encourage their children to seek help.

World Mental Health Day is an annual reminder of the importance of mental well-being, but we cannot afford to wait until the next awareness day rolls around to take action. By addressing mental health now, by investing in resources, training staff, and involving the community—schools can create an environment where students feel supported, valued, and heard.

The question is no longer whether schools should act, but how quickly they can start. Are you ready to make your school a safe space for every student’s mental health? The time to act is now.

(The writer is an assistant professor, (Social Work), D. D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies)