they are very close in age to our Grade 11 and 12s,” Ms Corinne says. “As a result, our students relate better to them.”
During students’ advisory period, homerooms logged on for an interactive zoom session with representatives from the MMSA. The students were asked questions to help them reflect on mental health, and were given information on the topic.
With the students having had a chance to delve into the issue, how can parents, guardians and teachers be more aware of the mental health issues that affect pre-teens and teens? Ms Caruana shares her insights on the issue.
Symptoms to be aware of
Mental health constitutes our emotional, physiological and social well-being. It affects many aspects such as the way we behave and think. Hence, the state of our mental health will determine the choices we make in life. Being mentally healthy means that you are able to cope with life and the stress associated with it, playing a full part in your family or among friends and lastly living up to your potential. It is very important to undertstand that our mental health is as important as our physical health and hence we need to stop the stigma that is surrounded with mental health.
There are various symptoms and signs that someone suffering from a mental health disorder may show. Be on the lookout for signs like sadness, excessive worry, anxiety, social withdrawal and extreme mood swings.
Some signs and symptoms may direct you towards a specific mental health disorder. Symptoms directed towards anxiety, most common among teens include: Panic, fear, uneasiness, sleep problems, not being able to stay calm and still, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nausea.
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