Students Must Prioritize Self-Care This World Mental Health Day: Here are Some Helpful Tips

On this World Mental Health Day, let's acknowledge the myriad of stressors that plague an average student’s life on a daily basis. Compared to severe mental health disorders such as depression, panic attacks, and ADHD, mild stressors like test anxiety, peer pressure and confusion are easily manageable. Adolescents are more likely to suffer from such mental health conditions as compared to prepubescent children.

Top Tips for Students to Focus on their Mental Health

• The first step for students to prioritise mental health is for us as a society to destigmatise mental health disorders. If discussing disorders like depression and anxiety weren't considered taboo in our society, children and adults wouldn't hesitate to open up and speak freely about such issues. If we absolve the shame associated with visiting a therapist/psychiatrist, individuals everywhere would be able to deal with their mental health disorders soundly.
• Inculcating regular physical exercise will greatly benefit the mental health of children. In school or at home, students must take out time on a daily basis to take a run or a walk. This will boost endorphins in their brain, allowing the reduction of stress hormones and alleviation of mild depression and anxiety.
• Parents and teachers must encourage children to develop honest and meaningful relationships with the elders in their lives. Children must feel that they can approach the adults in their lives with any questions or concerns without the fear of being reprimanded. This will allow children to deal with mental health issues constructively and productively.
• Introducing healthy coping mechanisms into adolescents' lives can greatly benefit them while they combat stress in tough situations. Schools must set aside time on a daily basis to allow students to practice mindful breathing and meditation. Meditation is shown to have multiple benefits, such as better concentration, height and self-awareness and improved self-esteem among regular practitioners.

We must acknowledge that mental health disorders due not spare individuals of any age or gender; hence help should be readily available for everyone. Increasing competition in schools and colleges can be overwhelming for young students. The responsibility falls upon the shoulders of teachers and parents to remind the students to prioritise mental health above any educational requirements.

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