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Addressing mental health and building resilience in education
While support should be available for those who need it, it’s equally important to develop persistence and a mindset that allows students to adapt and grow.
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A young person walks through a tunnel near Jl. Kendal during afterwork hours in Jakarta on July 11, 2023. A survey in 2022 showed that young people, specifically Gen Zs, in Indonesia experience the most mental health problems, with over 59 percent out of 1,870 respondents. (Antara/Rivan Awal Lingga)
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n today’s educational environment, educators face a dual challenge: Addressing the increasing mental health needs of students while also encouraging them to develop the resilience necessary to thrive through adversity.
These two goals—support and resilience—must work together, not in opposition. The ultimate aim is to help students grow stronger through life’s difficulties, rather than avoid them.
Recognizing early signs of mental health struggles and providing supportive measures is essential in addressing the rising mental health concerns in Indonesia. Equally important, however, is instilling a mindset of perseverance, one that helps students face life’s inevitable challenges with strength.
In the wake of World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10, I hope to encourage fellow educators to create environments that nurture both mental health and resilience in their students.
A fellow teacher recently shared his frustration: "So many students run to mental health as an excuse. While I support them, I don’t endorse a weak, non-resilient mentality. How can I address this without opposing the mental health movement?"
This resonated with me. Mental health is undeniably important, and every student deserves access to the support they need.
However, nurturing resilience, where students view challenges as opportunities for growth, is equally important. While I fully support those seeking help for mental health, I also encourage viewing adversity as a chance to build strength.
