On Saturday, 30th November 2024, a webinar on Early Identification of Mental Health Concerns was conducted by the counselor of Salwan Public School, Gurugram. Held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the session was attended by 20 teachers from Salwan Junior School. The webinar aimed to equip teachers with the skills to identify mental health concerns early, understand age-appropriate mental health markers, and highlight the importance of early intervention and the teacher’s role in supporting children’s mental well-being.
The session began with an overview of the domains of development, focusing on the uniqueness of every child and the need for a nuanced understanding of socio-emotional growth. Teachers were guided to recognize common mental health concerns such as attachment issues, separation anxiety, school refusal, and challenges in communication and conduct. Mental health challenges that may arise due to underlying disabilities were also discussed, with emphasis on their impact on emotional and behavioral development. It was emphasized that the term “disorder” should be used cautiously and only after receiving a proper report from a professional.
To assist teachers in identifying concerns, it was announced that a screening checklist would be shared for systematic observation. Specific anxiety-related behaviors like bed-wetting and thumb-sucking, often triggered by strict environments, were discussed. The session introduced the 4Ds—Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Dangerous behaviors—as a framework for understanding significant mental health challenges.
Teachers were trained in behavioral strategies such as continuous and partial reinforcement, both positive and negative, to manage behavior effectively. The importance of providing a non-judgmental environment and offering unconditional support was underscored, fostering trust and emotional safety in children. Teachers were also encouraged to recognize triggers, understand individual learning styles, and collaborate with parents by sharing practical parenting strategies a part of psycho education of parents.
The webinar concluded by emphasizing the importance of early intervention and the teacher’s crucial role in fostering mental health. Participants left equipped with actionable strategies to create a supportive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for students, ensuring their holistic well-being.
