After living through a pandemic, mental health has been a rising issue. 2022 has been the year of the return to the “new normal” worldwide, which has posed a great challenge for the educational community. The fact that the home became a school, the lack of coexistence, and the concern of getting sick directly influenced social and academic development. Depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, and suicidal thoughts are the resulting consequences that have significantly impacted teachers and students.
What can we do to improve mental health?
Studies have proven that providing spaces for reflection is an excellent mechanism to help students and teachers. These can be done together, such as field trips, spaces for dialogue, and outdoor activities with the primary objective of leaving the classroom and working on not just academics.
This way, there is a space to exchange opinions, share experiences, and how the pandemic and returning to the “new normal” has been for each individual, remembering that each person experienced it differently.
Meanwhile, organizations such as Neyün promote socioemotional development using mindfulness techniques. Practicing meditation and breathing exercises before a class can help make the teaching process healthier for teachers and students.
While academic development is critical, the health and well-being of teachers and students are also vital. Stepping out of the pedagogical structure momentarily and trying new teaching methods, such as the ones mentioned above, can help strengthen mental health in these times.
