Mental health literacy covers the knowledge, beliefs, and skills needed to recognize, manage, and prevent mental health issues. It is essential for individuals to understand and advocate for support for mental health challenges. Assia Nait Kassi, the founder of MentalEdGroup, emphasizes the importance of mental health literacy for middle-schoolers, as this age group is undergoing significant emotional, cognitive, and social development. Studies show that most mental health problems and related behavioral issues start around the age of 11, but children at this age lack the knowledge and language to articulate what they are experiencing.
Nait Kassi initiated a mental health literacy program called HeadsUp! for Year 6 students at an elite British international school in Abu Dhabi. The program aimed to provide basic knowledge about mental health and gradually increase awareness over five weeks. Different groups of students showed varying levels of understanding, with some having no prior knowledge and others incorrectly labeling themselves or others with mental health issues. The curriculum was tailored to each class’s needs, using storytelling and specially-designed characters to address common concerns about mental health.
The program incorporated information nudges, YouTube infoclips, and tech-tools to facilitate discussions and promote mental health literacy. The final session of HeadsUp! involved a Walk&Talk activity, combining physical exercise with mental health awareness. Emma Butterworth, a teacher at the school, praised the program for its relevance to the cultural setting of the UAE and the positive impact it had on students. By the end of the program, students were able to identify feelings, use mental health terminology, and advocate for themselves and others, without feelings of shame or embarrassment.
Both Nait Kassi and Butterworth noted a significant improvement in students’ confidence and willingness to express their feelings openly after participating in HeadsUp!. Nait Kassi believes that teaching mental health literacy from a young age can act as a preventative measure and empower future generations to deal with mental health issues effectively. Butterworth advocates for embedding mental health literacy programs in the curriculum to benefit both teachers and students, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health alongside traditional academic subjects.
In conclusion, mental health literacy is a crucial skill that should be taught to children from a young age to equip them with the knowledge and tools to address mental health challenges. The success of programs like HeadsUp! highlights the positive impact of mental health education on students’ well-being and overall academic success. By promoting mental health literacy in schools, educators can create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to seek help and support for their mental health needs. Ultimately, prioritizing mental health literacy can lead to a generation of emotionally resilient and mentally healthy individuals who are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.
