Clinical psychologist and Chief Executive Officer of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS), Paul Gilligan, reflects on the impact our education system makes on young people.
He highlights how the Irish education system contributes enormously to students' emotional and psychological wellbeing and helps them to make sense of the world around them.
Wellbeing in the Irish education system
Ireland has one of the best education systems in the world. This is not just because of the academic calibre of the education young people receive, but because, over the last 10 to 15 years, Irish schools have prioritised young people’s emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Led by all of the key education partners - young people, teachers, principals, Boards of Management and parents - and working together to not just protect, but, more importantly, enhance young people’s wellbeing, schools now expect young people to benefit emotionally from their education experience.
Learning about emotions and psychological wellbeing is also now a core part of the curriculum. This is indeed to be celebrated.
Information and resources for schools
Utilising the information and lessons learnt from being one of the highest quality providers of mental healthcare in the country, the Walk in My Shoes (WIMS) initiative from SPMHS seeks to support the tremendous work already being done in schools. Providing advice and resources, the WIMS ethos is one of empowering young people to live a mentally healthy life through information-sharing, campaign activity, education programmes, committee involvement, and more.
Support in times of uncertainty
Central to good mental health is building awareness of climate protection, cultural diversity and gender equality. Schools are playing a key role in this regard.
The world is also experiencing a period of great turmoil and conflict, factors that enhance psychological distress. Schools can provide a safe, secure environment where young people can explore making sense of these events and the emotional impact they are having.
Hope for the future
The psychological health of any society is greatly influenced by the health of its education system. Knowing the work that schools engage in gives us great confidence for the future of Irish society.
I want to wish all pupils, teachers and parents a fulfilling and happy academic year during which your mental health and wellness will be enhanced.
