May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Goodwill Baltimore Excel Center has its calendar filled with ways to support its team and promote mental health awareness:
- Wear GREEN for Mental Health Awareness
- Mid-week Lunchtime Meditations
- Blow Your Stress Away Day
- Yoga Class Courtesy of TRIBE
- First Parenting Class Self-Care Tips
- Mental Health First Aid
- Presentation from H.E.R. Resiliency
Events and observances held throughout the month are designed to provide a well-deserved respite, promote self care, and dispel long-held stigmas about the challenges of coping and caring for one’s mental health.
According to 2022 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 87 percent of public and private institutions indicated that the pandemic “negatively impacted student socioemotional development.” Additional stressors from the pandemic, including new levels of uncertainty, higher workloads, and a more negative perception of teachers in society, have also impacted the mental health and well-being of educators at all levels.
As teachers navigate the highs and lows of their profession, taking care of their emotional and mental well-being is essential. Research backs this up. Not only do teachers personally benefit from improved mental health, but their students do, too.
Statistics show that the risk of depression among non-graduates is nearly three times higher than among graduates. Recent studies cited by Healthy People 2030 explain why individuals who don’t complete high school are more likely to experience mental health problems compared to those who graduate.
Three big factors contribute to the link between education and mental health:
- Self-Esteem Booster: Completing high school and receiving a diploma opens doors to various opportunities, including higher education and better employment. This sense of purpose and achievement can boost self-esteem and resilience, reducing the likelihood of experiencing mental health issues.
- Positive Social Support: Positive social aspects of the school environment play a crucial role in mental well-being. Schools often provide a sense of community and support, creating connections with other students as well as teachers. High school graduates may benefit from stronger social networks and access to various support systems.
- Financial Stability: Earning a high school diploma correlates with socioeconomic status. High school graduates are more likely to secure stable employment and higher incomes. This will allow them to have better access to quality healthcare, housing, and other resources that all contribute to better mental health. On the other hand, the economic hardships often faced by non-graduates can create stress and make it harder for them to find healthcare, housing, and much more.
Graduating from high school isn’t just a ceremony, it’s a significant milestone that opens doors to countless opportunities and improved health outcomes. Goodwill’s Baltimore Excel Center recognizes the importance of education in promoting mental well-being and provides Maryland adults with a second chance to earn their high school diploma.
