If you’re concerned about your assessing semh needs, it’s important to talk to a trusted family healthcare provider. They can help you understand your child’s behavior and provide suggestions for coping with challenging emotions. They may also recommend mental health services, depending on the nature of your concerns.

One of the most effective tools in addressing mental health concerns is social-emotional learning (SEL). Social-emotional learning focuses on teaching students to understand their feelings and to use coping strategies to manage them effectively. In addition, SEL curricula can teach children how to relate to others healthily and to develop prosocial behaviors.

The importance of social support for mental health is well documented. Research has shown that having a support system can increase feelings of self-worth and reduce stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and feelings of isolation. Social support can also reduce risky behaviors, like impulsiveness and substance abuse, and it can improve overall mental health and wellness.

Navigating Life’s Landscape: A Holistic Approach to Social Emotional Mental Health

A key component of SEL is emotional intelligence, or the ability to perceive and understand your own and other people’s emotions. Increasingly, schools are focusing on building emotional intelligence by teaching skills like mindfulness, gratitude, and empathy. By practicing these skills, students can better handle their own emotions and become more connected to their classmates, teachers, and parents.

Moreover, a recent study showed that students who received SEL training were 42 percent less likely to be physically aggressive in school. This focus on social-emotional well-being and mental health can positively impact academic performance and build the foundation for a lifetime of positive relationships and well-being.