INTRODUCTION
In simple understanding Mental health means how we think, act and feel. It affects how we handle day to day activities, associate with others, and make choices. Good mental health helps us cope with everyday ups and downs, and work well with others. Also, good mental health allows children to enjoy learning, building good friendships, and grow well. In school it is very important to support students mentally, physically, psychologically and academically.
What is the Importance of having access to Mental Health Services?
Talking about school based mental health services, these are programs and support given to students in schools to help them feel mentally and emotionally supported. This means that schools should care for all students, including those with special needs and respond quickly to the challenges they may be facing.
When students have access to mental health services;
- They can better understand and manage their emotions. This helps them feel safe, confident and more in control of their feelings. As a result, they become more open to facing challenges and better prepared in learning. This emotional stability not only helps them improve their academic performance but also helps them to build stronger relationships with people around them.
- Mental health services also help students meet their emotional and psychological needs. These needs include feeling accepted, respected and loved. Schools that support mental health create safe and inclusive spaces for both students and teachers and also school workers.
- Programs in school can be done by introducing guidance and counseling as sessions in which the program will be friendly to both teachers and students which will help them open up to their problems. Students feel supported because they will be expressing themselves, and they will find out that their problems differ and look for solutions among themselves. This will enable them to reduce the mental discomfort with the help of a school counselor. These programs promote a culture of openness and peer support.
Teachers and school staff also need support so that they can take care of their own mental health and be strong helpers to students. When schools invest in these services, they build stronger communities and close the gaps in access to care, especially for those who may not get help outside of the school.
CONCLUSION
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Schools have a big role to play in making sure students feel supported and ready to learn. By providing mental health services, schools help students grow emotionally, perform better in class, and feel safe. Supporting both students and teachers creates a caring and inclusive learning environment for all.
