Strategies to Enhance Mental and Emotional Health Dr. Sonia Tinsley Northeastern State University College of Education.

Strategies to Enhance Mental and Emotional Health

Dr. Sonia TinsleyNortheastern State UniversityCollege of Education

Strategies to Enhance Mental and Emotional Environment

Current direction is to focus on qualities such as hope, wisdom, creativity, courage, spirituality, and responsibility rather than on problems or deficits

Resilient—able to “bounce back” despite difficulties

Educators need to encourage the positive capacities of young people.

Mental Health

The achievement of expected developmental cognitive, social, and emotional milestones

Secure attachments, satisfying social relationships, and effective coping skills

Mentally healthy children enjoy a positive quality of life and function well at home, in school, and in their communities

Mental Health Challenges Affecting Learning and Behavior

Stress and anxiety Worries about

being bullied Problems with

family or friends Disabilities Depression Thoughts of suicide

or hurting others

Concerns about sexuality

Academic difficulties

Dropping out Alcohol and

substance abuse Fear of violence,

terrorism, and war

School Health Practices Positively Influencing Mental Health and Academic Achievement

Parental involvement Early childhood and school-age interventions Comprehensive interventions combining

teacher training, parent education, and social competency training

Development of a positive affiliation or social bonding with school

Decision-making and problem-solving programs

Physical activity School breakfast programs

Protective Factors

Factors that increase the chances a young person will succeed in school, friendships, and family and will reach important life goals

Can be environmental, social, or individual

Protective Factors?

Environmental Social Individual

Protective Factors that Serve as a Coat of Armor and Promote Resilience

Self-respect

Practicing resistance skills

Friends who do not misuse or abuse drugs.

Able to delay gratification

Resilient even when living in an adverse environment

Having a set of goals and plans to reach them

Healthful family relationships

Positive role model

Stress management skills

Anger management skills

Involved in school activities and athletics

Respect for authority and laws

Guidelines for Schools

School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) 2006

More than 80% of teachers reported teaching about mental/emotional health topics:

Anger management, pro-social behaviors, benefits of physical activity

More than 80% of elementary teachers reported teaching related skills:

Handling stress in healthy ways, resisting peer pressure, techniques for avoiding interpersonal conflicts and fights

Resiliency Theory The belief in the ability of every person to

overcome adversity if important protective factors are present.

A resilient school community is focused on factors that foster resiliency: Caring High expectations and purposeful support Ongoing opportunities for meaningful

participation

Resilient School Communities

Qualities: Sense of belonging is encouraged. Cooperation is promoted. Successes are celebrated. Leaders spend lots of positive time

with members. Resources are obtained with a

minimum of effort.

Strategies for Establishing Healthy Classroom Connections Create one-to-one

time with students. Use appropriate self-

disclosure. Have high

expectations of students while conveying a belief of their capabilities.

Network with parents, family members, and friends of students.

Build a sense of community among students within the classroom.

Use rituals and traditions within the classroom.

Healthy Behavior Outcomes for Mental and Emotional Health

The goal is to help students adopt and maintain health-enhancing behaviors, which include Expressing feelings in healthy ways Engaging in mentally and emotionally healthy

activities Preventing or managing internal conflict and

stress in healthy ways Using self-control and impulse control strategies Seeking help for troublesome feelings Being empathetic toward others Carrying out personal responsibilities Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships

General Tips for Promoting Mental Health

Help children relate to others and build their confidence.

Be a role model.

Encourage exercise and sports.

Suggest involvement in after-school activities.

Encourage strong family relationships.

High expectations can go a long way.

Tips for Teachers and School Officials

Think about mental health as an important component of a child being “ready to learn.”

Incorporate mental health into the classroom and ensure all students are treated with respect.

Know the signs of mental health and be aware of available resources.

Allow your students to discuss troubling events at school or in the community; encourage students to verbally describe their emotions.

Self-Care for Teachers

Avoiding emotional burnout is critical for teachers as well as their students

The teacher’s “take care of yourself list”:

Eat nutritiously

Get plenty of sleep

Exercise regularly

Drink plenty of water

Learn to manage stress, anger, and other strong emotions in healthy ways

Children’s Literature

Communication

Henkel, Kevin. Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse. Greenwillow Books, 1996.

Sharmat, Marjorie Weinman. A Big Fat Enormous Lie. Puffin Books, 1978.

Courage

Angelou, Maya. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me. Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1993.

Children’s Literature

Goals and Decisions

Bridges,Shirin Yim. Ruby’s Wish. Chronicle Books, 2002.

Seuss, Dr. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Random House, 1990.

Moods and Strong Feelings

Viorist, Judith. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Children’s Literature

Safe and Healthy Classrooms and Schools

Finchler, Judy. Testing Miss Malarkey. Walker & Company, 2000.

Teague, Mark. Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School. Scholastic, 2002.

Children’s Literature

Dealing With Worries

Best, Cari. Shrinking Violet. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2001.

Viorist, Judith. If I Were in Charge of the World and Other Worries: Poems for Children and Their Parents. Aladdin, 1981.

Internet Sources

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (www.aacap.org)

BAM! Body and Mind (www.bam.gov)

Health Finder for Kids (www.healthfinder.gov/kids)

Internet Sources

Health, Mental Health and Safety Guidelines for Schools (www.schoolhealth.org)

Safety Tips for Internet Safety (www.fbi.gov/kids/k5th/safety2.htm

National Mental Health Association (http://www.nmha.org/conditions/promoting-childrens-mental-health)