I have noticed that there are many individuals who are talking about feeling the pressures of everyday living and that they need a break, but they do not have the time. I hear about it as parents pick their children up from school, at parent/teacher conferences, and as I talk with acquaintances in the grocery store. I see this tension trickle down to the children. It manifests itself in “melt-downs” that are initiated by something as simple as a peer invades someone’s space when they are not invited. Let’s face it; there are so many variables (divorce, death of a parent, illness, pressures of doing well in school, bullying, etc.) facing children today. We need to solve for the variables (M x H = gmh (good mental health)) to fix the problems that children are facing so they can experience good mental health and learn ways that will ensure their well-being.
What can we, as educators do? Mental Health American has listed ways for parent, guardians, and caregivers to support children with good mental health (Mental Health America, 2011). As you view the following lists take note that all health topics are related to another. Therefore, we must be cognizant of all aspects of our health in order to encourage good mental health.
Basics for a child’s good physical health:
- Nutritious food
- Adequate shelter and sleep
- Exercise
- Immunizations
- Healthy living environment
Basics for a child’s good mental health:
- Unconditional love from family
- Self-confidence and high self-esteem
- The opportunity to play with other children
- Encouraging teachers and supportive caretakers
- Safe and secure surroundings
- Appropriate guidance and discipline
Mental Health in Africa:
Low income, low mortality rate, elevated incidences of communicable disease, malnutrition and overall susceptibility to conflicts affects Africa on a daily basis. Because of such matters, mental health problems seem to be the last on their list of concerns for the government to deal with.
In 2000, the WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that children younger than fifteen made up one half of the total population. They anticipated that for the age range of 0 – 9 years, three percent suffered from a mental disorder (Okasha, 2002). Those particular children experience parental neglect which causes deficient psychosocial development and brain damage is the primary cause of severe mental retardation (Okasha, 2002).
In 2000, the WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that children younger than fifteen made up one half of the total population. They anticipated that for the age range of 0 – 9 years, three percent suffered from a mental disorder (Okasha, 2002). Those particular children experience parental neglect which causes deficient psychosocial development and brain damage is the primary cause of severe mental retardation (Okasha, 2002).
You might ask, “Is anyone doing anything about the lack of mental health services in Africa”? Well, in 2001, the World Psychiatry Association (WPA) asked African leaders of psychiatry to attend a meeting in Cairo to talk about combating the current mental health concerns and design a plan for teamwork that would follow the collaboration of WHO/WPA (Okasha, 2002). There roundtable of discussion pinpointed main concerns in the area of delivery of services and the value that is placed on mental health. They also outlined the many challenges they face in combating adverse mental health problems which include lack of awareness, lack of human and monetary resources, absence of policies, and others (Okasha, 2002). In light of the many barriers, leaders of psychiatry in Africa have decided to form the African Association of Psychiatry and Allied Professions, to study, plan and endorse the mental health and mental health care (Okasha, 2002).
To read more about Africa and the topic of mental health, visit the following site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1489826/
Mental Health America (2011). What every child needs for good mental health. Mental Health America. Retrieved from http://www.nmha.org/go/home
Okasha, A. (2002, February 1). Mental health in africa: the role of the wpa. World Psychiatry, 1(1) 32-35. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1489826/
Oz, M., M.D. (2009). Dr. mehmet oz’s guide to preventing a heart attack. Better Homes and Gardens network site for Heart-Healthy Living. Retrieved from http://www.hearthealthyonline.com/heart-attack-stroke/heart-attack-stroke-basics/dr-mehmet-oz_ss3.html
1 comment:
Hi Sally
One thing I do not do is take "me time" when I need it. I have recently changed my diet to eatting more fruits and vegetables. I felt if I want the children in my classroom to eat a healthy diet I need to model it as well. I am a very picky eater)In my classroom we have incorporated more exercise with the children, they dont know it but all that dancing and moving around is exercising their bodies. Great information!!!
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