The importance of mental health awareness in schools

Psychosocial Adjustment and Stress Management in college

Identity versus role confusion

Mental Health – It is common for students to face psychological and psychosocial challenges during various stages of development. According to Erikson’s 8 Stages of Psychosocial Development, each of us goes through different phases of development throughout our lives. According to Erikson, during each stage, a person undergoes a psychosocial crisis which may have either a positive or negative impact on their development. In Erikson’s stages of development, the fifth stage is adolescence, which occurs between 12 and 18 years of age.

It is known as the identity versus role confusion stage. In this stage, identity crises manifest and the need for self identification through exploration and experimentation with different ideologies is predominant. The purpose of this is to establish a core identity. Additionally, there is a desire for independence and a need for full autonomy. It’s not always easy though, since it’s often expected to conform to what’s popular rather than express  one’s true self. The result of role confusion can result in a lot of inner conflict where teens want to fit in and be liked by their peers, but also wish to look within to discover and express a true sense of their authentic self. 

The transition

In the transition period between high school and college, a lot of growth and changes are taking place during a teenager’s personal and physical development. When friends move away, the dynamics of older friendships may begin to shift, which can affect familiar support systems and cause an air of uncertainty and insecurity. In spite of this, it is important to note that these fears and emotions are completely normal and will fade over time once you begin to see your newfound freedom as a time for self-development and growth. 

Psychosocial Adjustment

Adolescence is a period of transition between childhood and adulthood, during which adolescent development and growth are substantial. The Convention on the Rights of the Child protects children up to the age of 18. To monitor the statistics of teens and their well-being, UNICEF has launched an Adolescent Data Portal. In the world, there are around 1.3 billion teens, which is about 16 percent of the population. In addition to providing easy access to key indicators, this portal also provides information on the socioeconomic contexts in which adolescents live globally, regionally, and by country.

During the transition process, early intervention approaches that include stress management, cognitive restructuring provide essential skills. This can prove beneficial to students not only in school, but also as a life skill that can be applied later in life which may also increase their overall emotional wellbeing. The chances of academic success increase for students who are able to manage their time and stress well. It is likely that many students will occupy the same space, but many will need to be self-driven, focused, and able to work independently.

Stress Management

The pressure to succeed academically may force many students into isolation which could lead to suicidal thoughts. Working independently for long periods of time may ultimately force a student to become more isolated and increase their risk of  depression. Without early intervention or treatment, depression can substantially alter your perception of yourself and the world around you. In the event that you are suffering from depression, you should consult a friend or a school counselor. It is important to keep in mind that there is no shame in depression and that it affects millions of people around the world. With more awareness, mental health is less likely to be stigmatized, and better treatments can be developed. 

Also read my article about detecting depression