Inner Reflection

We know that adolecence is a time of change. Young people move from being influenced primarily by family to becoming highly susceptible to peer group influences. As young bodies change over time, so too do young minds. Adolescence is a time when some young people find they begin to experience metnal illnesses in various forms. This can be a minor issue which is easily dealt with through communication, strong support from family and friends, and professional assistance. For some young people, mental health problems can be a more serious problem. Depression, bipolar disorder and eating problems can become more prevalent in this age group than at other life stages.

The role of the teacher crosses several parameters when it comes to supporting young people both in the classroom and in the wider school community. Teachers need to develop skills at:

• observation - noting when there are signs which could indicate a mental health problem (change in mood, change in behaviour, inappropriate actions or langauge, frequent absences, unexpected changes to grades)
• support - offering advice, encouragement and support within the bounds of teacher skills
• professional liaison - working with mental health profesionals, counsellors, guidance officers, doctors, nurses, families
• referrals - sharing concerns with professionals and families as appropriate, referring young people directly to a support service
• communication - keeping communication channels open
• appropriate class activities - choosing class activities which are designed to support, educate and encourage students to be aware of mental health and to have suitable strategies for dealing with issues in themselves and others

Some suitable class activities could include:

• discussions about what mental health means
• inviting a speaker from a mental health support service to talk to students
• creating a class web page about mental health
• including comments about mental health as part of the everyday conversations of the classroom
• including examples of people from a range of skills, abilities, backgrounds, cultures and socio economic groups in general discussions
• considering the mental health of people from refugee or assylum seeker backgrounds

As a teacher, consider the role literature can play in managing mental health for young people. Literature can support young people by providing role models for dealing with issues and problems, and for building awareness that others have experienced similar feelings and isues. For example, 'Someday this pain will be useful to you' (Peter Cameron, Scribe Publications, 2007) explores the thinking and inner reflections of the confused and disturbed James Sveck as he plans his life post school. Although the book does not openly identify his mental health issues, it does consider carefully his mood, behaviour and the role of his family and friends in supporting or hindering his gradual mental health progress towards finding a more balanced and harmonious view of the world and his own place within it. Books such as this one are a useful and gentle starting point for discussing mental health with young people in a class situation.