Holly Grant’s Post

ℹ Enhancing school-based mental health services isn't simple It's not as easy as 1, 2, 3, or even 4, 5, 6 🎒 Stigma surrounding mental health still persists, hindering students from seeking support when they need it most. Many students struggle to gauge the severity of their own issues and hesitate to reach out for help, leaving educators and rostered mental health teams unsure how to effectively tap in efficiently and gracefully. Unfortunately, schools often find themselves disconnected from effective approaches, when they really look at the data and listen to their students. Schools often have a mental health team in place. Their titles and credentials matter less to students than the quality of their care. Students want to know if their support system truly cares about them, if they can relate to them, and if they can trust them. 📶 During a recent conversation I had with several students, they shared a common sentiment of feeling disconnected from their school's mental health team. They expressed apprehension about reaching out to school-based professionals, citing concerns about confidentiality and privacy. This highlights the importance of fostering collaboration with external resources and providing additional training to address students' needs effectively 📶 ▶ Oasis Education strives to be your ally in Mental Health support. Offering a variety of solutions to enhance school-based services, aligning with student needs to remain preferred and relevant and empower your well-being team. We prioritize a person-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful relationships and ensuring consistency and continuity from educators to students, driving progress forward ⏩ Our team is equipped to offer non-judgmental and relatable support to alleviate stress for the entire school district, presenting a unified front. If we can adapt to serve evolving needs together, this connectedness will have rippling effects on the community 🌞 #studentsupport #educatorsupport #wholeteam #timelycare #beseen #beheard #youfirst #mentalhealth #emotionalwellbeing #trust

Today, let's talk about mental health in schools, and the need for these conversations has never been more vital. Let's unpack why this matters and what exciting opportunities it brings to the table for transforming education. Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, depression is the top cause of disability worldwide? These aren't just stats; they're real struggles faced by students, teachers, and families every single day. Here's a sobering stat: 1 in 6 children aged 6-17 grapple with a mental health disorder each year, as per a recent survey by the National Institute of Mental Health. That's a wake-up call, highlighting why we urgently need to take proactive steps in our schools. But here's the flip side: addressing mental health challenges isn't just about fixing problems. It's about unleashing potential. It's about crafting spaces where students feel supported, understood, and empowered to thrive. Picture this: a school where mental health education is seamlessly woven into the curriculum. Where kids learn not just academics but also resilience, empathy, and self-care. Imagine a community where teachers are well-trained in mental health awareness, equipped to spot signs of distress, and offer timely help. The opportunities here are massive. By making mental health a priority in schools, we not only boost academic success but also nurture emotionally intelligent, resilient young minds ready to take on life's ups and downs. So, I'm eager to hear from you all. What cool initiatives have you seen or tried in your school or workplace to support mental well-being? How can we team up to create healthier learning spaces for our future leaders? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 👇 Himannshu Sharma, COSCU #HimannshuSharma #COSCU #MentalHealthMatters #EducationForAll #WellnessWednesday #FutureOfLearning #EmpathyInEducation

The Power of Open Dialogue: Promoting Mental Health in Education In a world where mental health is often silenced, speaking out becomes a transformative tool for healing. I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact of open dialogue on individuals grappling with mental health challenges. Why Speaking Matters: Articulating struggles is the first step towards understanding and managing emotions, demystifying daunting experiences, and inviting support, empathy, and life-changing interventions. Education and Mental Health: Schools are vital hubs not only for academic learning but also for social and emotional development. By fostering a safe environment for students to express concerns, we equip them with resilience to navigate life's hurdles. Teaching Our Children to Speak Up: Encouraging children to vocalize their problems requires creating a supportive environment and teaching emotional literacy. Educators and parents must model open communication, validating feelings and normalizing the idea that it's okay to not be okay. Implementing Change: Schools can Incorporate mental health education into the curriculum.Train teachers to identify signs of distress and provide initial support.Establish confidential avenues for students to seek help. Conclusion: Speaking about one's problems is an act of self-care. In education, we can normalize this practice, shaping a future where mental well-being is as prioritized as physical health. Let's raise our voices for mental health awareness. #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthawarenessweek #socialemotionallearning

Mental health is something we all experience, regardless of age or background, and it's time we address it at every stage of life—especially for those shaping the next generation. Our schools are places where the foundation of future generations is built, and yet, mental health support for students, teachers, and staff is often overlooked. The pressure on students to perform, fit in, and excel is immense. Meanwhile, teachers and school staff are at the frontline, guiding these young minds while dealing with their own mental well-being. This is why it’s critical to ensure that schools and colleges have dedicated mental health professionals on board to provide support. We need to foster environments where students, teachers, and staff feel safe to express themselves and seek help without judgment. It’s not just about raising awareness but actively advocating for accessible mental health resources for everyone involved in shaping young lives. The impact of mental health support in schools could be transformative. I strongly believe we should advocate for this on every school and college board across the country. Let’s build a future where mental health is a priority—not an afterthought. #MentalHealthInSchools #SupportForTeachers #MentalHealthMatters #AdvocacyForWellbeing #StudentWellbeing

Nurturing Mental Health in Schools & Communities: A Teacher and Psychologist’s Perspective As both a community psychologist and teacher, I’ve seen the deep connection between mental health and daily life in schools and communities. While awareness is rising, collective action is crucial to fostering well-being—especially for young people. 1. Safe, Inclusive Spaces Students thrive when they feel safe and valued. It's essential to promote emotional and physical safety in both classrooms and community spaces. 2. Mental Health Literacy Educating young people on mental health fosters empathy and early help-seeking. Schools should prioritize this. 3. Collaboration Mental health is a community effort. Teachers, parents, mental health professionals, and community members must work together. 4. Self-Care for Educators Burnout is real. Those supporting young people need to practice self-care to remain effective. 5. Encouraging Help-Seeking We must normalize conversations around mental health and make it easier for people to seek help without stigma. 6. Equity in Access Mental health resources must be accessible to everyone, regardless of background, race, or location. By working together, we can create more supportive, resilient communities for all. Your Role Matters Whether you're a parent, teacher, or community member, your actions impact those around you. What will you do to make a positive difference today? #MentalHealthMatters #InclusiveCommunities #SelfCare #MentalHealthLiteracy #SupportOurYouth #EquityInHealth

Calling all educators and counsellors! By fostering open conversations about mental health and providing support, we can create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Check out our Stigma-Free School Program that offers important resources for educators and students, including Lesson Plans for your 4-7 or 8-12 classroom, Downloadable Resources, and activities to help students talk about and explore their mental health: https://lnkd.in/gQkdZXt7 Here are 5 points on why talking about mental health with students is important:  1. Addressing stigma promotes a supportive environment where students feel safe to seek help for their mental health concerns.   2. Combatting stigma fosters inclusivity and acceptance, reducing feelings of isolation among students facing mental health challenges.   3. Tackling stigma encourages early intervention and access to resources, improving overall well-being and academic performance.   4. Breaking down stigma reduces the risk of bullying and discrimination, creating a more positive school culture.   5. Addressing stigma empowers students to advocate for their own mental health needs and supports the development of healthy coping mechanisms.   #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness  #MentalHealth #SchoolPrograms

🧠 World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Our Students’ Well-Being Today, on World Mental Health Day (October 10th), I want to emphasize the importance of mental health support in our schools. As a candidate for the Frederick County Board of Education, I fully support the DELTA Program, which is designed to address students’ emotional and psychological well-being by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed both academically and personally. 💡 What is the DELTA Program? The DELTA Plan aims to integrate social-emotional learning, mental health resources, and peer support systems into our schools. This holistic approach ensures that every student has access to counselors, mental health services, and the skills to manage stress, build resilience, and foster positive relationships. ✅ As a Board Member, I Will: 🍎Advocate for increased funding and resources for school-based mental health services. 🍎Support teacher training in identifying and addressing mental health concerns. 🍎Promote safe spaces for students to talk openly about their emotional well-being. 🍎Ensure that mental health is a priority in curriculum planning and school policies. Our students’ mental health is the foundation for their success in school and beyond. By supporting the DELTA Program, I am committed to building a school system that cares for the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially. #WorldMentalHealthDay #VoteMonier #FrederickCountyBOE #DELTAPlan #MentalHealthMatters #SupportOurStudents

Mental health issues significantly impact students' academic performance, with over 70% of surveyed students experiencing significant stress and anxiety. Schools play a crucial role in providing essential mental and emotional support, fostering a supportive learning environment that nurtures well-being alongside academic growth. Effective integration of mental health in schools can improve educational outcomes, increase students' mental health literacy, promote social and emotional learning, identify at-risk learners, and reduce the likelihood of mental health concerns developing into more severe problems and risk behaviors. In conversation with The Pioneer, Sakshi Maheshwari, Clinical Psychologist at Niyama, emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health programs into schools. https://lnkd.in/g9ZtAcJx #Niyama #Mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing

Great content! Basis my experience expectation from schools would be a plan to roll out a truly integrated mental wellness system and not just a digital solution. Such a system will have an in person counseling support system based out of the school, with insights from the digital solution.Insights have to be actionable and actions by the teachers and students will need expert guidance. #Niyama #Mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #mentalwellbeing

🌍 🧠 World Mental Health Day: A Reflection from an Educator's Perspective Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay—a day to pause, reflect, and amplify the conversation around mental health. As educators, we play a crucial role in shaping not only the minds but also the well-being of our students. We understand that learning doesn’t happen in isolation; it thrives in environments where students feel safe, understood, and supported. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that students face—academic pressures, the weight of expectations, and the struggles of balancing their studies with personal life. But I've also witnessed the power of a simple gesture: a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or an open-door policy that lets students know they aren’t alone. Mental health matters for everyone—students, teachers, and staff alike. As educators, we are often seen as a source of knowledge, but we also carry the responsibility of being role models in prioritising well-being. This means not only supporting our students but also acknowledging our own mental health needs. After all, we can only pour from a cup that isn’t empty. ☕ 💛 Today, let’s commit to: Creating classrooms where empathy and understanding are as important as grades. 🎓💬 Checking in with our students and colleagues regularly, not just on the tough days. 🧑🏫🤝 Advocating for resources that support mental well-being in our schools and universities. 🏫📚 Let’s make mental health a daily conversation, not just an annual event. Because every student, educator, and staff member deserves to feel valued, supported, and heard. 💙 #WorldMentalHealthDay #EducatorsCare #MentalHealthMatters #SupportEachOther