Grapevine

Mental health challenges can lead to decreased academic performance – Experts

The theme of Mental Health Day 2024 celebrated on October 10, is ‘Time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.’

Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH to commemorate 2024 Mental Health Day, Samson added that changes in appetite, social withdrawal, and self-harm or suicidal thoughts were also prevalent among learners.

“Yes, learners (children and adolescents) can experience mental health challenges. According to the World Health Organisation, 10-20 per cent of children and adolescents worldwide experience mental health disorders. These challenges can affect their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being.”

He identified several causes of mental health challenges in children, including family dynamics (conflict, divorce, abuse), bullying and peer pressure, academic stress, social media addiction, trauma (loss, neglect, abuse), genetic predisposition, chronic illness or disability, social isolation, loneliness, poverty, and socioeconomic disparities.

He appealed to teachers to “create a supportive classroom environment, identify early warning signs, provide accommodations and modifications, foster positive relationships, collaborate with mental health professionals, implement mental health education, provide counseling services, promote social-emotional learning, foster a positive school culture, and support teacher training.”