How are SEL and our Mental Health linked?
As we take time to honor Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we want to take a closer look at how SEL (Social Emotional Learning) and our overall Mental Health are linked together. We also often talk about “self-care” being a large component in keeping ourselves mentally healthy, but it can often become a buzzword without us really taking a look at what self-care actually means. We also need to examine the understanding of this term when directed towards a younger age group such as elementary schoolers and how we can foster that understanding in our children in order to help them thrive both physically and mentally.
When many people hear the phrase “self-care” they often think about taking time to pamper themselves, nourish and move their bodies or spend time doing an activity they enjoy. While these are all wonderful examples of self-care, we also need to recognize that self-care can also mean taking care of our mental health in deeper ways, such as therapy, talking with a trusted friend or adult, and asking for help when we need it. If someone is suffering from a mental health disorder such as depression, a skin care treatment might make them feel slightly better, but they most likely will need to seek help from a professional. Self-care isn’t JUST facemasks and nail appointments. It is all of those things and much more. Self-care is also recognizing when we need a break or a mental health day. When we need to take a break from our workout routine instead of pushing our bodies. It’s realizing that it’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to not complete all the tasks on your to-do list. I would ask you all to take some time to think about ways you practice self-care and how you can be sure you are truly feeling healthy mentally.
So, how do we address self-care with our younger generations? Do we call it self-care? Can we develop a term that might be easier for them to understand as they are still learning about the big feelings they have and how to process them? For these children, a strong foundation of social-emotional learning is the starting point for them to begin to understand their own mental health and to build a toolbox of coping skills that they will carry through life with them. If they are given access to these tools at a young age, they will grow to better understand the deeper meaning of self-care and how it helps them maintain a positive outlook on life and in turn a healthy mind. It is crucial that we continue to push for Social Emotional Learning in our elementary schools so that our children may grow to have a greater understanding of self-care. Instead of referring to it as self-care, perhaps we simply talk about ways that we nourish our bodies, minds, and relationships. We teach them that it is in fact okay to take a break, to ask for help and that self-care is all encompassing, not just a buzzword. See what CASEL has to say about the link between SEL and mental health.
Let us know how you celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing on social media! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #herrenproject and tag us in your posts. Remember that it’s okay to not be okay, and to always BE YOU!
