Mental Health Over Education: Why The Goal Shouldn’t Be Getting Our Struggling Kids To School, But Exploring Why They’re Struggling In The First Place.

We all aim for a smiling face and a wave as our kids walk into school, but that’s just not always the case. It’s normal to experience a struggle day sometimes, but when it becomes frequent, and intense emotional school refusal becomes your normal, our goal posts need to shift.

When you’re trying your best to encourage your child into school, the last thing you feel like doing is going to pick them up to take them out of school for an appointment. However, the decision to do exactly that may be the most necessary one to take, and here is why;

Stressed brains can’t learn!

There's a prevailing emphasis on academic achievement and educational success. While education undoubtedly holds immense value in shaping young minds and preparing them for the future, it's crucial not to overlook their mental health.

When we see behaviours such as, emotional outbursts, school refusal, withdrawal, extreme reactions, persistent worries, regression (such as bed wetting), perfectionism or sudden changes in our children we need to take note.

The Science:

Research has identified stress and the hormones and neurotransmitters released during and after a stressful event as major modulators of human learning and memory processes.

When experiencing high levels of stress our brain perceives this as danger.

When sensing danger, within seconds, the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is activated, leading to the release of hormones that prepare the body for ‘fight-or-flight’ responses and rapidly affect neural functioning in several brain regions critical for learning and memory.

In this moment, the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of our brain responsible for reading, rationalizing, and other deep-thinking tasks, is put on pause.

Stress shifts the balance between a number of systems underlying learning and memory. At rest, this balance is tilted towards the ‘cognitive’ (intellectual thinking part of the brain) memory system, allowing for the formation and recall of flexible memories. Stress, however, alters this system. Therefore, Under stress the balance tips towards more rigid ‘habit’ memories affecting not only how much is learned (memory quantity) but also what is encoded and how memories are built (memory quality).

In the classroom, these stress effects on memory may have far-reaching consequences for students. Stress can lead to stronger memories for negative events happening in the classroom, such as failed exams, embarrassing experiences or interpersonal conflicts (e.g., bullying) and these strong negative memories could induce long-lasting frustration and a negative attitude towards school and their own abilities. These negative consequences of stress on students may be intensified by the detrimental effects of stress on memory retrieval. 

 

“If the person is regulated, you can connect with them in ways that will facilitate rational communication. But if they’re dysregulated nothing you say will really get into their cortex, and nothing already in their cortex will be easy for them to access. This is essential to understand if you’re a teacher because while the regulated child can learn, the dysregulated child will not.”

Dr Bruce Perry

When children's mental health is prioritized, they are better equipped to concentrate, retain information, and perform well academically

As well as the academic benefits of prioritising our child’s mental health there are more reasons why our child’s mental health should come first:

Emotional Resilience:

Education equips children with knowledge and skills, but it's their mental resilience that allows them to navigate life's challenges effectively. By prioritising mental health, we empower children to develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and coping mechanisms necessary to tackle setbacks and adversity.

Healthy Relationships:

A strong support system and healthy relationships are essential for children's development. When mental health is prioritised, children learn to cultivate meaningful connections, express their emotions, and seek help when needed. These interpersonal skills are invaluable for success both personally and, as they grow, professionally.

Reduced Stigma:

Prioritising mental health sends a powerful message that it's okay to not be okay. By openly discussing mental health and providing necessary support, we combat the stigma surrounding mental illness. This creates a safe and inclusive environment where children feel comfortable seeking help and support when facing mental health challenges.

Long-term Health and Happiness:

Ultimately, the goal of education is to equip children with the tools they need to lead happy, fulfilling lives. However, without prioritising mental health, these achievements may be overshadowed by feelings of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. By placing mental well-being at the forefront, we lay the groundwork for long-term health, happiness, and overall success.

Prevention of Mental Health Disorders:

Early intervention and prevention are key in addressing mental health disorders. By prioritising mental health from a young age, we can identify and address potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems. This proactive approach can prevent long-term suffering and improve overall quality of life.

Life Skills:

Education may provide children with academic knowledge, but it's mental health support that equips them with essential life skills. From effective communication and problem-solving to stress management and self-care, prioritizing mental health ensures that children are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life.

While there is no doubt that education plays a crucial role in shaping the minds of our children, it's so important for us to recognise that mental health forms the very foundation upon which their future success and well-being rest.

By prioritising mental health, we not only empower our children to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential but also foster a society that values compassion, understanding, and holistic well-being. It's time to shift the focus from only academic achievement to the holistic development of our children's minds, bodies, and spirits. After all, a healthy mind is the greatest asset a child can possess.