The Dark Side of Education; Students’ Mental Health

We live in a world of motives where gifted people cease to exist for the sole purpose of improvement. Perhaps one of those greatest motives is education, as it has become one of the most, if not the most important arsenal out there. Education is knowledge, and knowledge is power. Education is the key to the broad doors of success and excellence. However, it can turn toxic, leaving its toll on students.

To our utmost sadness, students’ mental health has been ignored for ages, and a life-changing solution looks unlikely as of now. Parents, teachers, supervisors and people in management have all been involved in this destruction, making it accidentally worse day after the other. Students no longer have a sense of satisfaction and settlement when it comes to opening up about their anxiety. Whether it’s a single assignment or preparations for a big test, the overwhelming sensation of fear overtakes them, making their educational experience a living hell. The causes are numerous, and the effects are drastic, yet the solutions are out there, wide and clear. Hence, what are the foundations of this never-ending dilemma? And what are the suggested solutions for the best, yet rational outcome?

Causes of a Bad Mental State:

Oh well, where do I start here? The list is big; if I spoke about every single cause, I wouldn’t be done in a week. Now, let’s focus on the main ones.

1- Parents

Parents don’t realise this, but they are causing a big part of their children’s suffering. It’s not like they mean it, they’re just not aware of it, and that’s where the problem lies. Generational gap is one of those things that widen the bridge between parents and children. Not only does it limit the former from understanding the latter, but it also acts as a burden to understanding their psychology. Parents aren’t familiar with modern-day psychology, and children aren’t brave enough to open up to them as a result of the fear of being judged, overlooked and misunderstood. The impacts are obvious; fights, miscommunication and broken trust.

2- Teachers:

I honestly have a lot to say regarding this one. Throughout the years, I’ve had the pleasure of being taught by some amazing teachers. Unfortunately, many can’t relate. Many teachers are coming off as toxic nowadays, and it just doesn’t make sense to me. They have this weird habit where they constantly let their students down, for the simplest reasons, instead of lifting them. As a teacher, do you not consider your actions? What are even the objectives you aim towards before acting on a whim and destroying your students’ self-esteem? Do you want to look cool? Edgy? In control? You’re a grown-up, so please act like one. You’re supposed to be a role model to your students, not a villain.

3- School Management:

Yes, rude teachers exist. But do you know who also does? Burnout ones. The school management has been overcomplicating the curriculum for years now, which lead to more piling of assignments, tasks and tests, leaving no mercy for the students, as well as the teachers. Teachers are under big stress, and that does no good to them in addition to their students since it reflects on them.

Teachers work longer hours than many other positions, which often leads to burnout and stress.

Teacher burnout is associated with worse academic achievement. It is also associated with lower quality student motivation.

Burned-out teachers are usually less sympathetic toward the problems of students and are less committed to their jobs.

4- Students:

Students lack self-awareness and it’s evident. It’s always “the teacher doesn’t explain well”, “they’re rude”, or “they never listen”. Yet, it’s never “I didn’t pay attention”, “I preferred other things over my studies”, or “I’m just not trying enough”. And it’s not even about them not being good enough. You’re not required to be good at everything and a straight-A student, everyone has their abilities and work based on them. Some will come up with the excuse of “not knowing what they’re good at”. Of course, you won’t know. What’s the point of just “knowing” if you don’t even do the bare minimum for whatever reason of yours? Yes, gaining motivation whilst studying is hard, and sustaining consistency is even harder. We all have bad days, and there’s no shame in that.

Solutions:

The suggested dilemma isn’t easy, and it doesn’t get repaired within a blink of an eye. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean solutions for it don’t exist; they do!

1- Since the whole mess starts with its lacking, communication is KEY. Parents should plan a trip with their children, maybe to a vacant park, where they could have a small picnic and just let it out. Both parties should be understanding of the other, and if it doesn’t work, professionals, for this exact reason, exist.

When parents communicate effectively with their children, they are showing them respect.

Effective communication builds understanding and trust. When you and parents or carers understand and trust each other, you’ll all be better able to work together to support children’s wellbeing and development.

2- Rude and toxic teachers should have no guaranteed places in schools. I don’t know who made letting people down a trend, but it certainly stops now. Pardon my built-up anger, but things are getting out of hand. Your job description definitely didn’t include your being mean towards your students and disrespecting them, so there’s no need for you to act like that. Furthermore, communication between teachers and students is also vital, as it enhances their relationship and makes things clearer.

Effective communication between teachers and students can also strengthen your school atmosphere. Because these relationships are so closely tied to self-motivation, they can lead to an engaged classroom.

In addition, teachers should be subjected to less stress and burnout.

A new Gallup poll shows that 44% of K-12 employees say they “always” or “very often” feel burned out at work, including 52% of teachers who report the same.

As many as 41.3% of all teachers in the US will leave the profession within the 1st five years.

3- As a student, you’re not immortal, and you’re certainly not required to be. However, what is required of you is giving your absolute best. Think of your dreams, and what you could achieve if you get up from your cosy sleep and start studying. Building a future is a process and you have to trust it. You can’t just sit there doing absolutely nothing, then huff and puff because “life is unfair” and “you’re not getting what you want”. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

If you need more tips regarding study motivation, school tips, how to deal with exam anxiety and many more, I kindly suggest following Thy Academia’s official Instagram account as it will contain many tips for romanticising your studying and educational year.

As I write the last words of my first blog post, I’m starting a new beginning. Not just for me, but for my fellow students too. I know how it feels to be under so much stress that you just can’t help but feel hopeless, but it’s okay. You’re not alone in this. Every time things get tough, remember why you started, your purpose, and your potential. And I hope that somewhere in between these letters, you have found a place to call home.

I’m an apostrophe
I’m just a symbol to remind you that there’s more to see.