On July 20th, 2024, our school hosted an insightful workshop on mental health for secondary teachers, conducted by Ms. Ratandeep, a distinguished psychologist and counselor from the Prafulta Counseling Centre. The workshop aimed to equip teachers with essential knowledge and skills to support the mental well-being of their students effectively.

Ms. Ratandeep began by emphasizing the critical role of mental health programs in educational settings. She highlighted that a robust mental health framework is vital for fostering a supportive and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

The session proceeded with a discussion on the various dimensions of mental health. Ms. Ratandeep underscored the necessity for teachers to have a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues, as it enables them to recognize and address potential problems early on.

A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to the emotional and social development of children. Ms. Ratandeep elaborated on how these developmental stages impact students’ behavior, learning, and interactions. She provided strategies for teachers to support their students’ emotional and social growth.

She stressed the pivotal roles that teachers and parents play in the lives of students. She encouraged teachers to collaborate closely with parents to create a cohesive support system for the children. This partnership is crucial in monitoring and promoting the overall well-being of students.

One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the ability to identify students who may be struggling with mental health issues. Ms. Ratandeep provided practical tips and signs to look out for, enabling teachers to intervene and provide necessary support in a timely manner.

To facilitate personal growth and self-awareness, several activities were conducted during the workshop. These activities prompted introspection among the participants, helping them understand their mental health better and recognize their own biases and attitudes towards mental health issues.

A crucial part of the session focused on recognizing symptoms of ADHD and learning disabilities in students. Ms. Ratandeep shared effective methods for identifying these conditions and provided guidance on how to support affected students in their educational journey.

The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session where teachers could seek further clarification and share their experiences. Participants left with a deeper understanding of mental health and a toolkit of strategies to support their students better. The school extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Ratandeep for her invaluable insights and looks forward to implementing the learnings from this workshop in our daily practices.