The Counselling Corner
Since the start of Term 3, we have been taking a closer look at our mental health, with the aim of raising awareness of the importance that our psychological well-being plays in our overall quality of life.
What does ‘mental health’ mean?
Mental health refers to a person’s overall psychological and emotional well-being. It encompasses how individuals think, feel and behave, and it impacts how they handle stress, cope with challenges and make decisions in their daily lives. Mental health is essential for one’s ability to function effectively, maintain healthy relationships and adapt to the ups and downs of life.
Why focus on mental health at HIS?
- Focusing on mental health is vital for individual, school, societal and global well-being. It promotes a holistic approach to health, enhances personal development and contributes to building more resilient, compassionate and productive communities.
- Overall Well-being: Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. It affects emotions, thoughts, behaviours, and the ability to cope with stress and challenges.
- Productivity and Functioning: Improved productivity and functioning in various aspects of life: better able to concentrate, make decisions, manage relationships and perform effectively in their studies.
- Physical Health: Mental and physical health are closely interconnected. Poor mental health can contribute to physical health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, immune system dysfunction and chronic conditions like diabetes.
- Reduced Stigma: Focusing on mental health helps to reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
- Prevention and Early Intervention: Addressing mental health issues early can prevent them from escalating into more severe conditions. Promoting mental health awareness and providing resources for early intervention can help pupils develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience.
- Social and Community Impact: A society that prioritises mental health is likely to have healthier communities. When individual pupils have strong mental health, they are better able to form positive relationships, contribute to their communities and engage in meaningful social interactions.
- Economic Impact: Poor mental health can have significant economic consequences due to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism and higher healthcare costs.
- Long-term Personal Development: Good mental health is essential for personal growth and development. It fosters self-esteem, confidence and the ability to set and achieve goals, contributing to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
- Resilience to Challenges: Strong mental health provides individuals with the tools to navigate these challenges more effectively, bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a positive outlook.
- Global Impact: Mental health is a global concern. By prioritising mental health, societies can work towards reducing the burden of mental illnesses on a global scale, fostering greater empathy, understanding and support for individuals everywhere.
• Manage and express emotions in a healthy way.
• Cope with stress and life’s challenges effectively.
• Maintain satisfying relationships with others.
• Make realistic and positive decisions.
• Have a sense of purpose and fulfilment in life.
• Adapt to changes and transitions.
• Maintain a balance between work, leisure and rest.
How do we plan to raise awareness at HIS?
Each high-school year group will oversee the mental health topic they have been assigned. Their role is to do research on their topic and create awareness and intervention material which will be displayed on the high school notice board. The board will be interactive and include facts about the awareness topic, how to recognise influences and symptoms of said topic, how to get help, manage symptoms and words of encouragement.
Topics we will engage with include:
• Depression and anxiety (July- Y12)
• Bullying (August – Y9)
• Substance use/abuse (September – Y8)
• Self-esteem, self-awareness, identity (October – Y11)
• Eating disorders (November – Y10)
• Self-harm and suicide (10 September)
Our aim?
- The aim of our mental health awareness campaign is to promote understanding, acceptance and open dialogue about mental health issues within the school setting.
- We aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide accurate information about mental health conditions, treatment options and available resources.
- The ultimate goal is to create a more compassionate and supportive school environment for our pupils experiencing mental health challenges and to encourage pupils to seek help when needed.
We hope you, our parents, will support this worthy campaign and help us raise the necessary funds.
You are welcome to contact me with any inquiries, comments or discussion topics you would like to see in The Counselling Corner. inge.smit@iesmail.com
Until next time. Keep well!
Mrs Inge Alberts
