7 (Obvious) Reasons Why Student Mental Health Matters

Our educational system often seems to prioritize students’ academic success above all else. But in recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on student mental health. Nowadays, we know taking care of student mental health is just as (if not more) important than getting good grades.

Better mental health means better learning and makes realizing students’ full potential more likely. Thus, our educational system must take students’ mental health seriously and actively work on it in the classroom. Especially because many students may not be aware of the importance of caring for their health by themselves. So schools and educators can (and must) take their part in the mental health mission.

#1 Improved Academic Performance

Students who experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues may struggle to concentrate on their studies. This can lead to a decrease in their academic success, such as poor grades and learning outcomes. Research clearly shows students reporting mental distress also report low academic self-efficacy and delayed study progress.

#2 Improved Quality of Life

Mental health and health-related quality of life are strictly related. Thus, young people’s mental health and quality of life are impacted by their mental health. Simply put, if students’ mental health is good, that will show in every other aspect of their lives. A happy student will result in a more successful one and vice-versa.

#3 Increased Socializing and Improved Social Relationships 

Mental health also reflects on social development. Students with mental health issues may struggle to communicate effectively and form relationships with their peers. This can lead to problems, such as feelings of isolation, which can develop into mental issues and have long-term consequences.

#4 Reduced Risk of Substance Abuse

Mental distress can also lead to higher levels of substance abuse. That is because the same stressors impacting student mental health can also stimulate the need to abuse harmful substances, such as cannabis and alcohol. In the past, higher substance use has often been linked with mental problems because it is a way of fighting feelings of distress.

But because substance abuse can have severe consequences for students, educators must surely tackle it. As a teacher, you can help to reduce the risk of substance abuse by addressing mental health issues early and providing support in time.

#5 Increased Self-Awareness and Better Self-Esteem

Mental health issues can take a toll on students’ self-esteem, leading to feelings of low self-worth and depression. And they can also negatively affect students’ abilities for self-reflection. Educators can help by providing positive reinforcement and assisting students in developing coping skills. One way of doing this is by providing them with a stable and nurturing environment where they feel comfortable and safe.

#6 Increased Student Safety

Another essential factor for good student mental health is promoting a safe school environment. Students with mental health issues are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and injure themselves or others. And if their safety is taken care of, this becomes less likely. Hence, this is another crucial reason for encouraging student mental health.

#7 Improved Overall Health

As evident from the reasons above, mental health affects us more than we once believed. Because our bodies and thoughts are intertwined, it is not at all surprising that mental illness can have an impact on all aspects of our health. So, better student mental health brings all sorts of benefits for overall health. Besides better self-awareness, it can also benefit the students’ immune systems, lessen conditions such as fatigue, improve cardiovascular health, and so on.

Thus, Promoting and Grooming Student Mental Health Is Crucial

As educators, you are responsible for prioritizing your students’ well-being. And that exceeds ensuring they learn the given material, because their well-being results from so many other factors. And one of them is undoubtedly mental health. Looking at the reasons above, it is clear why working on it is essential for raising motivated and healthy adults set for success.

Of course, you cannot achieve student mental health all by yourself, but fostering a safe classroom environment and recognizing struggle can do wonders. Besides listening to your students and making them feel worthy, you can try practicing methods like mindfulness. Whatever works for you and your students – as long as the results benefit your students’ short- and long-term well-being.

SOURCES

[1] Mental Health, Academic Self-Efficacy and Study Progress Among College Students – The SHoT Study, Norway

[2] Mental Health and Quality of Life among students of the State University of Yasuj

[3] The link between mental health and physical health in college students