World Mental Health Day authorizes the opportunity for people and communities to unite and raise the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right.”

In many ways, we can all take part in raising awareness and driving actions that promote and protect mental health, including children’s rights.

Let’s talk with our teachers at Bali Island School to hear what they say about World Mental Health Day!

• What is the importance of emotional well-being in the education world?

Ben:

During this Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s explore the strong connection between self-care and academic success.

Think of your brain as a garden with the prefrontal cortex as the head gardener responsible for academic success. The garden thrives when it’s balanced, just like your brain. Self-care is like nurturing the garden. It ensures nutrient-rich soil (nutrition), well-watered plants (stress management), and a peaceful atmosphere (quality sleep and social connection). These practices allow the head gardener to focus on higher functions (learning).

By practicing self-care, you become the master gardener of your mind, creating an environment where your prefrontal cortex can thrive. Remember, it’s okay to seek help when needed – we all do at times.

Meredith:

Emotional health and well-being are now more crucial in education than ever. Recent global disruptions have impacted our communities, making it our duty as members of the educational community to ensure the basic needs of teachers and students are met. Creating a secure and supportive environment is vital for effective learning. As the saying goes, we must ‘Maslow before we can Bloom.’ By addressing the whole child’s needs, including emotional and social well-being, we enable a joyous and holistic learning experience that encompasses not only academics but also important life skills. Our responsibility is to equip our students with the social and emotional support needed for them to become curious and enthusiastic learners, who thrive in today’s world.

Sri:

Emotional well-being is of paramount importance in the education world. It has a pivotal role in the overall success and development of students. When students feel emotionally healthy, balanced, secure, and supported, they are better able to focus on their studies, absorb information, collaborate with their peers, overcome challenges, and perform at their best academically and personally. Thus, emotional well-being is a foundation for preparation for life and effective education. 

• As the school counselor, how do you familiarise mental health and well-being among parents, students, and teachers?

Ben:

As a school counselor, I familiarise myself with the students’ well-being and mental health needs through a multi-faceted approach. I conduct one-on-one sessions with students, providing a confidential space for them to share their concerns and emotions. Building trust through strict confidentiality is essential for open communication about sensitive topics.  However, if a safety concern arises, I access further support for the person I am working with. I organise group counseling sessions and workshops to address common issues and gauge collective mental health needs. Collaboration with teachers is also essential, as they offer insights into student progress and emotional well-being. Additionally, I actively involve parents through meetings and workshops to understand their children’s needs and provide guidance on supporting their child’s mental health. I also administer surveys to collect quantitative data on the overall well-being of the student population.