[Humpty Dumpty]

First off if this isn't the appropriate forum I apologize.

Should mental health issues be taught in school?
If yes, at what age/grade should we start? Should it be just a 1 time class you take in high school that lasts 1 semester than it's over? Should it last a full year? What should be covered? Do you think each year it should go more in depth just like any other subject?

[Nammu]

Suicide is in the top ten causes of death in USA. Mental health should absolutely be taught in school. Starting in grade school...not looking at pathological causes but good health lifestyle like positivity, empathy, gratitude,

[Fuzzybear]

I agree with the above, empathy should be taught in schools.

The stigma against mental health issues is... sad

Also healthier happier living like positivity and gratitude. And forgiveness? (These don’t “work” for some but maybe that’s because they didn’t learn them in childhood, idk..and also if the family is abusive that ... complicates things )

Suicide should not take so many. If mental health issues were taught, properly, in schools, things might improve.

Interesting topic...

[jeremiahgirl]

Most definitely; society is desperate for help. So sad there’s lil to no help in this arena. In the distant past when the AIDS epidemic was upon society a major push was presented in society for protection and assistance; it would be ideal for mental health topics or specifics. ❤️
Perhaps society doesn’t want to look at their disfunction; I believe there in denial and would claim they have other issues more important than mental health. SMH 🤦🏻*♀️ . Yet, many die daily from the “silent screams” of pain, hurt, rejection, murder... the list goes on.

[Onward2wards]

Short answer: YES.

[cryingontheinside]

I also think it should be discussed in schools . I'm not sure what grade or for how long but deffinately it should happen .

[ShadowGX]

It definitely should be taught in school from an early age. Both physical and mental health are important, so I feel as long as you're old enough to learn about one you can learn about the other. Not just feeding kids basic info either, but giving them other important info like what it might feel like by using some metaphors or telling them what tools they have if they or someone they know might be going through something.

This world could do with a lot more empathy.

[MtnTime2896]

Everything above pretty much already said it for me. I think it should be introduced later in grade school, revisited in middle school and a crucial part of the high school curriculum.

[hprodf]

I think so, making kids aware of the conditions others may have or helping them cope with their own issues is surely beneficial. I'm not saying go heavy handed at an early age, but surely there's some value to be gained.

Especially in today's world where technology and especially social media have a massive bearing on kids who neither understand the effect these platforms have on them or how to use them responsibly. Frankly speaking, even most adults aren't aware of the biological effects social media can have, and it's addictive properties.

[HowDoYouFeelMeow?]

Originally Posted by Humpty Dumpty

First off if this isn't the appropriate forum I apologize.

Should mental health issues be taught in school?
If yes, at what age/grade should we start? Should it be just a 1 time class you take in high school that lasts 1 semester than it's over? Should it last a full year? What should be covered? Do you think each year it should go more in depth just like any other subject?

Yes, very much so in my opinion. Starting off very simply in preschool or kindergarten talking about and identifying emotions in oneself and others, and what to do with those emotions. Like Mr. Rogers.

[whisperingskye]

Yeah I really feel like it should be taught at school. Not sure what is a good age. I just know that when I started really struggling with my mental health at 14 I didn’t have a clue what was going on or why I was feeling the way I did. I felt so ashamed for not being “normal” that I hid it for years. I feel that maybe, if I had more knowledge of what was going on I might have reached out for help sooner and then maybe, I would be over this **** by now.

[mote.of.soul]

Yes, I think it should be taught to kids - future adults - so that there can be more openness about it, more acceptance or understanding. In the long run, it can only be a good thing - for the individual and for the society.

[cool09]

I don't think so. I think mental health stigma should be taught instead. They don't teach about mental retardation in schools!