There has been a notable increase in our post-COVID world in discussions surrounding youth mental health, particularly within schools. Many view this emphasis as a long-awaited shift towards greater awareness and support. However, some argue that there is too much emphasis on mental health, leading to a rise in self-diagnosis and an overemphasis on illness.
A recent NYT article cited research referencing the idea that schools educating students on mental health potentially leads to hypervigilance and overdiagnosis and does not increase wellness.
Like other topics that flood teen social media, it is more likely that misinformation has led to a simplistic and binary view of mental health rather than an explanation of the continuum of wellness, particularly when it comes to culturally appropriate care and equity in access.
Let’s examine this through a more nuanced lens.
Mental Health and Wellness as a Moral Issue For Teens
Schools play a vital role in providing adolescents with knowledge, resources, and screening for illness. I remember lining up for hearing and eye exams as a child each year, and it certainly did not exacerbate my attention to my sight or hearing.
It did, however, prioritize the idea that if I struggled with either of those senses, I could seek support and live a fuller life.
Boy, my life changed when I finally saw the blackboard with corrective eyewear! School health centers are now a part of many school settings and have been shown to increase wellness visits and other care in children, particularly those with poorer access to high-quality providers.
Of course, we are not judged on our vision; our ability to see well is not a statement of our innate strength or weakness. Mental health, like obesity, has been treated as a moral failing. You must not be strong enough to pull yourself out of sadness – or resist that donut!
As our science has become more exact, we are now learning that our genetic makeup, COMBINED with our environment, is more of a driver of obesity or the expression of mental health conditions.
We also know that mental health falls on a continuum from thriving to wellness with periods of struggle, exacerbated by environment or ACES, to full expression of a mental illness.
The nuances of understanding the factors that can contribute to the need for mental health intervention – at some level – are too nuanced and complex to be digested from a 60-second TikTok. Sound bites don’t often capture all that teens need to know. But it is where teens get the majority of their information.
Integrating mental health topics into school curricula and ensuring sufficient numbers of well-trained mental health staff in schools can help normalize the idea that wellness checks and interventions are essential to thrive.
A public health approach to school mental health encourages open conversations and the entire wellness continuum from prevention to treatment. It also provides students with the tools to recognize when they or their peers need help.
This proactive approach is essential in a world where mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, particularly as our wealth gap widens and we are seeking to deliver broad access to a wide variety of students, cultures, and identities.
Awareness vs. Overdiagnosis
Increased awareness does not equate to an increase in actual diagnoses. When teens are more knowledgeable about mental health, they are better equipped to identify genuine issues and seek appropriate help.
Evidence-based and culturally nuanced awareness campaigns aim to educate, not diagnose. Qualified mental health practitioners still conduct professional diagnoses following thorough evaluations.
The Self-Diagnosis Concern
One of the main concerns is that teens might start self-diagnosing based on the information provided in school programs. However, this risk can be mitigated through comprehensive education that emphasizes the importance of professional evaluation.
Schools can teach students the difference between casual self-reflection and clinical diagnosis, encouraging them to seek help from mental health professionals if they have concerns about their well-being.
Mental Health Literacy for Teens
Research does not support the claim that increased mental health education leads to widespread overdiagnosis. Studies have shown that mental health literacy improves help-seeking behaviors and outcomes among adolescents. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that students who received mental health education were more likely to seek help from school counselors and mental health professionals, leading to timely and accurate diagnoses rather than self-diagnosis.
School Mental Health Practitioners
Schools often have trained counselors and psychologists who are well-equipped to handle mental health concerns. These professionals are crucial in assessing students’ needs and providing appropriate support or referrals. Their presence ensures that students receive accurate information and guidance, reducing the likelihood of self-diagnosis and promoting proper mental health care.
Combating the Stigma of Mental Health in Teens
One of the primary goals of mental health education in schools is to combat stigma. When mental health is discussed openly and accurately, it reduces the shame and secrecy that often surround these issues.
This cultural shift encourages students to speak up about their struggles and seek help without fear of judgment, leading to better overall mental health outcomes. Increased mental health education is a critical component of supporting adolescent well-being.
By providing accurate information, promoting professional evaluation, and encouraging more culturally nuanced care, schools empower students to take charge of their mental health in a healthy and informed manner.
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