“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
The topic of mental health remains ambiguous in our society as it is commonly perceived as being related solely to one’s thoughts, and mental well-being is often disregarded. As a result, there is a lack of public understanding regarding what mental wellness entails for young individuals, resulting in a gap in fostering future bright students.
Raising awareness regarding mental well-being among students is a crucial responsibility that is often overlooked. To fulfill this responsibility, Ramagya School has initiated a program titled ‘Know Your Brain,’ which is specifically designed to monitor the mental well-being of students and equip them with the necessary strength and courage to overcome any challenges they may face.
There is often confusion between mental well-being and mental illness[1], as they coexist. Mental well-being refers to a positive state of mind that is capable of confronting any obstacle without difficulty. On the other hand, mental illness is a disorder that arises when mental wellness is ignored.
Ramagya School concentrates on promoting the mental well-being of students by conducting various assessments and interactive sessions to ensure that students experience optimal growth and development. Mental health education must commence during the early years of schooling, as this is when children begin forming their initial friendships and teenagers start developing their self-worth and self-esteem.

During the process of growing up, children face various challenges such as exclusion, bullying, conflicts, and low self-esteem. It is imperative to acknowledge and provide children with the necessary tools to manage these challenges.

The Know Your Brain program is designed to cater to the specific needs and queries of each child by conducting individual interactions to identify the root causes of the problems they face. Additionally, the program includes a series of mental health activities that students must complete before their annual exams. These mental wellness activities enable the team of counselors to analyze whether a child requires additional time to prepare for the exams or assistance to excel in their academic endeavors. We can work on ourselves and our youth to provide them with a non-judgemental place to feel what might not be able to understand.

Below are some points what we can do to give courage to our future generation while breaking the stigma & giving them mental health education:

  • Prioritize Mental Health: Mental health should be given the same importance as physical health. It is crucial to communicate and prioritize mental health effectively.
  • Empower Youth To Manage, Learn, And Survive Difficult Emotions: Youth can be empowered to handle challenging emotions by fostering strong relationships with supportive peers and adults, practicing techniques to manage emotions, taking care of their physical and mental health, being mindful of their use of social media and technology, and seeking help when necessary.
  • Support The Mental Health Of Youth: At Ramagya, we strive to create positive, safe, and affirming educational environments. We expand programming to promote healthy development, including social and emotional learning, and offer a continuum of support to meet the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of children and youth. To achieve this, we must also expand and support the early childhood and education workforce.
  • Ask For Help: If struggling to manage negative emotions, youth can reach out to a school nurse or counselor, teacher, parent or caregiver, coach, faith leader, or a trusted person for help. They can also explore therapy or counseling resources to obtain support when something causes distress and interferes with their life. Although reaching out to others can be challenging, it is worth the effort and reminds us that we are not alone.
  • Learn To Manage Difficult Emotions: Recognize situations that may be emotionally challenging and develop strategies to manage those emotions.
  • Take Care Of Your Body And Mind: Maintain physical and mental health by adhering to a schedule, consuming a balanced diet, engaging in physical activities, getting quality sleep, staying hydrated, and spending time outdoors.
  • Be A Support To Others: Youth can enlighten their family, friends, and relatives about the significance of mental health. They can provide guidance if required and assist others in healing in the best ways possible.

A message from the Managing Director of Ramagya School Mr. Utkarsh Gupta:

“Being vulnerable means being honest and truthful about our feelings, even when it’s not easy. It can feel scary to open up and share our emotions, but it takes courage to do so. Being honest and courageous is always a good thing, even if it doesn’t feel comfortable. It is not a weakness, but a strength to be true to ourselves and express our feelings.”

At Ramagya, we are committed to providing solutions that cater to the mental well-being of the youth. However, it is important to note that a single institution alone cannot bring about the necessary changes. It is essential for all of us to come together and prioritize the mental health of our younger generation by providing mental health education to effect a positive change in society.

Also Read: Why Mental Health Awareness is Crucial for Student Success