Context:
In this reflective article, child and family therapist Shelja Sen argues that meaningful social change and mental health reform must begin in schools and communities rather than clinics. She emphasizes collective well-being, emotional literacy, and social justice as foundations for a healthier society.
Key Highlights / Details:
Mental Health as a Social, Not Just Individual Issue
- Current systems treat mental health as individual pathology, focusing on fixing people rather than addressing systemic issues like inequality, discrimination, and violence.
- Sen argues that the mental health crisis is rooted in fragmented communities, unhealthy competition, and lack of emotional support.
- Calls for moving beyond clinic-based interventions to community-based approaches.
Schools as Spaces for Social Transformation
- Schools are collective spaces where emotional learning, empathy, and social values can be nurtured.
- Supports integrating social justice, emotional learning, dialogue culture, and collaboration into school curricula.
- Example: Two schoolgirls sparked open discussions about menstruation, breaking stigma and normalizing gender conversations—demonstrates power of student voice.
The Forest Metaphor
- Sen uses the metaphor of a forest to describe supportive communities.
- A child’s well-being is affected not only by individual factors but also by social environment, relationships, inclusion, and belonging.
- Advocates collective healing and shared responsibility.
Systemic Issues Impacting Mental Health
- Rising mental health struggles linked to:
- Climate anxiety
- Violence and discrimination
- Economic inequality
- Social isolation
- Oppressive systems
- Argues that corporate and social media narratives fuel anxiety and insecurity.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being enabling individuals to cope with stress, work productively, and contribute to society.
- NEP 2020 emphasizes Holistic Education and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
- UN SDG-3: Good Health and Well-being includes mental health.
- UNICEF advocates school-based mental health programs globally.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Need for community-based mental health frameworks.
- Social determinants of mental health—poverty, inequality, discrimination.
- Role of schools in preventive mental healthcare.
- Importance of dialogue, empathy and social responsibility in nation-building.