How Can We Improve School-Based Mental Health Support? | Jordan Wells | TEDxYouth@BeaconStreet

Summary

The speaker candidly shares their journey from emotional suppression to advocacy, highlighting the pivotal role of a supportive fifth-grade teacher. They recount initiating a research project on mental health in schools, which evolved into a personal mission. The talk emphasizes the systemic neglect of mental health in education, proposing practical solutions like check-in checklists and zoning regulations. The speaker challenges societal discomfort with emotions, arguing for their acceptance as a strength, and calls for a paradigm shift in schools to prepare students for life, not just academic success.

Takeaways

• 😟 The speaker admits to being nervous and historically not comfortable expressing emotions.
• 🏠 Growing up without a father had a significant impact on the speaker's life.
• 🌟 A fifth-grade teacher provided emotional support and was a pivotal figure for the speaker.
• 🏫 The speaker's research project on mental health in schools became deeply personal and transformative.
• 🔍 The project revealed issues like lack of funding, knowledge, and student discomfort as barriers to mental health support.
• 📝 Simple solutions like check-in checklists and zoning regulations were proposed to improve mental health awareness.
• 🗣️ The speaker advocated for emotional expression and mental health to be taken seriously in schools.
• 🌐 The realization that the issue extends beyond one school to the broader education system and society.
• 💡 A psychologist's quote, 'Emotion is a strength,' resonated with the speaker and motivated advocacy.
• 🔄 The speaker criticizes the traditional school model for not preparing students emotionally for life.
• 🌍 The speaker envisions a world where emotional expression is encouraged and seen as a strength.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial attitude towards expressing emotions?

The speaker initially was not comfortable expressing emotions, as it was not a natural thing to do in their family.

How did the speaker's fifth-grade teacher impact their life?

The speaker's fifth-grade teacher was the first person who told them they could talk about anything and was always there for them, which left a lasting positive impact.

What was the topic of the research project the speaker started in eighth grade?

The research project was about the lack of mental health support for students in middle and high schools.

What did the speaker realize during their research project?

The speaker realized that the main problems were the lack of funding, lack of knowledge about mental health issues, and students not feeling comfortable discussing their emotions.

What solutions did the speaker propose to improve mental health support in schools?

The speaker proposed solutions like using a check-in checklist between students and guidance counselors, and implementing a zoning regulation method to track and address emotional states.

Why did the speaker feel the need to expand the scope of their project beyond their school?

The speaker realized that the issues they were addressing were not just limited to their school but were prevalent in schools all over America and the world.

Who did the speaker talk to as part of their research?

The speaker talked to state legislators, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Boston public school psychologists.

What quote from a psychologist resonated with the speaker?

The quote was 'Emotion is a strength, don't be afraid to use it,' which resonated with the speaker and motivated them to advocate for emotional expression.

What societal issue does the speaker believe is contributing to mental health problems?

The speaker believes that society's discomfort with emotions and the stigma around mental illness are contributing to mental health problems.

Why does the speaker argue that schools are not preparing students for life?

The speaker argues that schools are not preparing students for life because they do not provide space for students to express their emotions and mental health issues.

What does the speaker suggest as a way to improve emotional expression in schools?

The speaker suggests having a dedicated class period for students to express their emotions and discuss their mental health.