Mental Health in Schools: Turning Awareness into Action

Over the past decade, conversations about mental health have become far more visible. From social media campaigns to policy debates, awareness has grown that mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Yet in many schools, particularly in underserved communities, awareness has not yet translated into consistent action. Students continue to struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression — often without adequate support.

At G&N Foundation, we believe that mental health is inseparable from learning. If students are not emotionally well, they cannot fully engage, succeed, or envision a hopeful future. It’s time to move beyond simply talking about mental health and take real steps to address it in schools.

Why Mental Health Matters in Education

Education is not only about academics. Students carry their personal struggles, family challenges, and social environments with them into the classroom. Without proper support, these challenges can directly affect their ability to learn.

• Concentration and performance: Anxiety and depression reduce focus and memory, leading to lower grades.

• Attendance: Students struggling with mental health often miss school more frequently.

• Behavior and relationships: Unaddressed emotional challenges can lead to conflict with peers or withdrawal from social interaction.

• Dropout risk: Mental health difficulties are a leading cause of school abandonment, especially among teenagers.
  

For underserved students who already face socioeconomic barriers, poor mental health adds another layer of inequality.

The Current Gap: Awareness Without Action

Awareness of student wellbeing has improved in Brazil and worldwide. Campaigns encourage open discussion and reduce stigma. However, schools still face significant gaps:

• Lack of trained staff: Few schools have psychologists or counselors available.

• Overburdened teachers: Educators often want to help but lack the training or time to address complex emotional needs.

• Cultural stigma: In many communities, mental health is still misunderstood or minimized.

• Limited resources: Public schools especially lack funding for programs and safe spaces dedicated to wellbeing.
  

Without structural support, awareness alone does little to improve student outcomes.

Turning Awareness into Action

For schools to truly support mental health, they must implement practical, sustainable measures:

1. Train Teachers and Staff:Teachers are often the first to notice changes in behavior. Training them to identify warning signs and provide basic support can make a huge difference.

2. Provide Access to Counseling:Even if schools cannot employ full-time psychologists, partnerships with NGOs or community health centers can give students access to professional support.

3. Integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):Programs that teach self-awareness, empathy, and stress management should be part of the curriculum, not an afterthought.

4. Create Safe Spaces:Schools need spaces where students feel comfortable sharing their struggles — whether through peer support groups, mentorship, or quiet reflection areas.

5. Involve Families and Communities:Educating parents about the importance of mental health ensures that students are supported not only in school but also at home.

The Role of Policy and Investment

Governments and NGOs must recognize mental health as a core part of education. Investments in school-based mental health programs deliver long-term benefits: higher academic achievement, lower dropout rates, and stronger communities. International models, such as integrating counselors into school systems or funding SEL initiatives, show that systemic change is possible when mental wellbeing is prioritized.

How G&N Foundation Contributes

At G&N Foundation, we see mental health as central to student success. Our initiatives include:

• Supporting community programs that provide emotional support to children and teens.

• Offering scholarships that reduce financial stress and allow students to focus on learning.

• Promoting inclusive and safe classrooms where students feel respected and heard.

• Raising awareness among parents and educators about the importance of mental health.
  

Our goal is to help schools move from awareness to action, ensuring that no student is left behind because of unaddressed emotional struggles.

Final Thoughts

Awareness is the first step, but it cannot be the last. Students deserve more than conversations — they deserve systems that protect and nurture their emotional wellbeing.

By turning awareness into action, schools can create environments where children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn