ABOUT US
Learn about why we created mentally well schools and why it's important
About Mentally Well Schools
Did you know that half of diagnosed mental health problems develop prior to the age of 15 years? With that in mind, it makes perfect sense that schools offer an incredible opportunity for the introduction of mental health education and interventions. Integrating mental health awareness into the school system offers the chance for mental health and behavioural problems in youth to be recognised and addressed early on, thus aiding in reducing the potentially detrimental impacts that a mental health condition can have on a young person’s development, education, and future adult livelihood.
A first step in this process of providing appropriate early intervention strategies is to be able to identify and understand what the risk and warning signs are. Research indicates that teachers and educators within the school system lack the confidence and training to effectively support child and adolescent with their mental health. Therefore, taking action to reduce mental health stigma in schools is crucial for both students and the wider school community.
Mentally Well Schools provide school staff, students and communities with appropriate training to support the mental health of young people. Prevention and early intervention are essential when it comes to protecting a person’s mental health and wellbeing with schools being an ideal context for early intervention and in helping prevent mental health conditions from emerging or worsening.
There have been significant achievements when it comes to implementing intervention and prevention strategies, however; early intervention in youth mental health still requires a great deal of work. Ensuring all school staff, including teachers, have up-to-date knowledge of mental health issues helps young people who may be developing a mental health problem, and works to improve the overall wellbeing of the school community.
Whilst it is important to better understand the mental and physical health of children and young people in our schools, we must not overlook the health and wellbeing of our principals, teachers and support staff.
- In Australia, over 50% of teachers report high levels of occupational stress
- Teachers make more mental stress claims than any other industry (WorkCover, 2014)
- Almost one in three principals are experiencing dangerously high levels of stress, (Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey 2019)
- The number of principals who had experienced threats of violence rose between 2011 and 2018 from 28% to 45%; and those who had been subjected to actual physical violence rose from 27% to 37%.
What is a Mentally Well School?
A mentally well school adopts a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. This whole-school approach sees the collaboration of senior leaders, teachers and support staff, as well as parents, carers and the wider community, in supporting and embedding prevention and early intervention programs. It works towards reducing the stigma around mental illness in schools, households and the community, along with raising knowledge and awareness in how to identify and help a young person.
A mentally well school ensures the psychological wellbeing of young people is prioritised, where young people are protected from psychological risks and experiences that may negatively impact their mental wellbeing and impede their ability to realize their potential. These considerations are vital to protect both their mental wellbeing during adolescence as well as their health later in life.
Why is a Mentally Well School important?
School years can be notoriously challenging, and mental health conditions play a significant role in poor grades, relationship problems and substance usage. This impact can be lifelong. Ensuring your school is a mentally well school is important for all students. We know that the stages of childhood and adolescence are crucial developmental periods, where significant growth and development occurs in the brain. When it comes to mental health, these stages of life also see the emergence of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In fact, half of all the mental health conditions we may experience throughout our lives will have started by age 14, and 75% of mental health conditions occur before the age of 25.
Stigma associated with mental health and a lack of mental health education can present a barrier to young people seeking support for mental health conditions. However, research indicates that young people do desire to learn about mental health and coping strategies in their schools.
One in seven young people, aged 4 to 17, will experience a mental health condition in any given year – this equates to approximately 4 youth in every class! They’re also the least likely to seek professional help, with only 31% of young women and 13% of young men reaching out for support. It makes sense, then, that we support youth and their educators in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to combat mental health conditions that may be experienced by young adolescents. Early intervention is vital!
