Technology for student mental health
After the outbreak of COVID-19, mental health has become a hot topic in education. Students of all ages, since the pandemic shutdowns, have been struggling to return to the previous “normal.” The constant pressure to “get back to normal” or “make up for lost time” as if nothing had happened also pushes students with anxiety and other issues to stay away from education.
However, as adults and with life experience, managing our mental health can be difficult. Young people have not yet had the opportunity to learn all the skills necessary to navigate and recover from extraordinary life situations that changed everything for them.
An Everyday Occurrence:
Rene Myers, an intervention specialist in St. Paul, Minn., has found that thousands of students are walking away from education because they have been subjected to different types of trauma during the pandemic.
According to her, “the mental health needs of children are increasing, as are requests for assistance from teachers. You can’t educate if you don’t address mental health, which is the current baseline for student learning.” If we want students to pass this notion on in their lives, we must talk openly about mental health in class in order to normalize it and reassure young people in difficulty by showing them that they are not alone. And that’s what we’re seeing right now.
In a recent mental health survey conducted by Uwill and NASPA, 93% of college presidents at more than 130 institutions agreed that students today feel much more comfortable talking about their mental health than they did before. five years ago. This is a fundamental cultural shift that will ultimately benefit everyone, whether in the workplace or in the education sector.
The role of technology:
Technology has played an important role in this evolution. It not only helps reduce the stigma of mental health, but also mentors, supports and connects young people through its many self-help applications.
Social media :
Although social engagement is a crucial part of well-being, social media often receives unfavorable criticism for valid reasons. However, they have the advantage of connecting people who are suffering. Reading posts by people from different backgrounds who openly discuss their problems shows people that these problems are widespread and alleviates the feelings of isolation they may feel.
Of course, depending on this help is not the best solution. People may encounter disturbing or triggering materials alongside empowering messages, making the balance precarious. Added to this is the “hunt for likes”. People working in the education sector should consider how to use social media as a coping technique in moderation, as such use has been shown to be detrimental to a person's mental health.
Ed-Tech Platforms:
Online information technology platforms also play an important role in helping students catch up in education. Students who are lagging behind and don't want to go to college because of anxiety and other problems can get expert help, textbook solutions and free books and look for help with their studies whenever they want. This prevents students from becoming depressed due to their difficulty in returning to normal life.
Apps for mental health:
There are several apps for managing or supporting mental health and wellbeing, and we all love using them. Having a go-to resource for help or using a favorite guided meditation that offers daily affirmations can help keep wellness on track.
Virtual therapy:
For people in distress, there is no substitute for speaking with a mental health specialist. However, access to this type of consultation poses a serious problem in many parts of the world. In some countries, you may one day be able to arrange an online video conference or telephone consultation, but in others, even these options are rare.
On campus, students need immediate mental health assistance. Without timely help, students can face a range of difficulties. They may be moving for the first time. They may also be concerned about housing, finances, relationships, or employment, or feel peer pressure or the pressure of academic expectations. The situation can quickly spiral out of control and children feel helpless or unable to cope with the situation.
Raising awareness and providing timely support are two of the most important aspects of supporting student wellbeing in educational settings, and many are now investing in programs such as free mental health screenings, hiring on-site professionals or using technology to enable instant access to support.