Hey,
So, everyone already knows I am all for an over haul in mental health care. I am going to be so busy in January, but in mid February, I want to try and get something started (after all my training is finished and gre is taken).
I really think that mental health education should be taught in schools (K-12) and in colleges, if they accept it. Does this have to be made into law to happen? Is this something that I need to write my legislature about? Do I ask the VDH? I did go to the VDH website and the program they have in regards to mental health is Suicide Prevention. That's what I am getting ready to embark on, if all goes well. But, I really think we need more.
Not all cases, but some cases, suicide attempts/completed suicide are a result of underlying mental illness.
I think like basics for elementary school:
--what is mental health
-- how do you know when something is wrong
--basic coping skills/de-stressing/how to deal with conflict (this could even go for middle school)
Middle School/High School
--Conflict management/coping skills
-- mental illnesses (i.e. depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia)
--Tx/options for getting help
--substance abuse education
--Community Outreach/resources (this would depend on the community resources in an area)
* Something else I think should be added, but probably no one else would agree with at all is maybe a wellness class/healthy habits for kids already on psych meds.
So, how do we get mental health education in schools? Any ideas?