Mental Health Literacy
Traditionally, the public perceives the role of the school system as providing an equitable education experience for all students. However, as anyone within the profession of education knows, it’s not that simple. In light of major school-related tragedies, including Columbine and Sandy Hook, the issue of mental health services with in schools has been brought to light. It is important to acknowledge the prevalence of mental health issues within children and adolescents, and empower teachers and students with effective strategies for handling mental health related issues. It is important to remember that children and adolescents are not well-versed in mental health issues and most have never taken a psychology or sociology course. Many
…show more content…
Initially, early descriptions of mental health literacy included the “knowledge and belief about mental disorders which aid in their recognition, management, and prevention” (Jorm, et al., 1997, p. 233). More recent descriptions include those same ideas and also the incorporation of removing stigmas related to mental health and encouraging advocacy, self-efficacy, and empowerment for those suffering with mental health conditions (Kutcher, Wei, & Morgan, 2015, p. 580). Mental health literacy directly addresses the mental health needs of children and adolescent and is supported by a variety of programs implemented within the school systems. How then, with a variety of companies pushing products that promote mental health, do you find ones that actually …show more content…
This program is focused on mental health promotions through empowerment and focuses on dialogue between individuals. The online program has been adapted, and a school based version targets grades eight through ten with themes specific to each grade level. The program also incorporates and addresses a variety of learners by including individual and group tasks, engaging videos, and informative lectures describing frequently occurring mental disorders. In addition, students are provided with information about when and where to find help if they believe they are suffering from a mental health condition. The school program is low-cost and can be implemented over a three-day period. (Skre, et al.,
Initially, early descriptions of mental health literacy included the “knowledge and belief about mental disorders which aid in their recognition, management, and prevention” (Jorm, et al., 1997, p. 233). More recent descriptions include those same ideas and also the incorporation of removing stigmas related to mental health and encouraging advocacy, self-efficacy, and empowerment for those suffering with mental health conditions (Kutcher, Wei, & Morgan, 2015, p. 580). Mental health literacy directly addresses the mental health needs of children and adolescent and is supported by a variety of programs implemented within the school systems. How then, with a variety of companies pushing products that promote mental health, do you find ones that actually …show more content…
This program is focused on mental health promotions through empowerment and focuses on dialogue between individuals. The online program has been adapted, and a school based version targets grades eight through ten with themes specific to each grade level. The program also incorporates and addresses a variety of learners by including individual and group tasks, engaging videos, and informative lectures describing frequently occurring mental disorders. In addition, students are provided with information about when and where to find help if they believe they are suffering from a mental health condition. The school program is low-cost and can be implemented over a three-day period. (Skre, et al.,