Mental Health in Schools: How Springdales School Supports Student Well-being

As someone who has witnessed the challenges students face today, I believe that mental health in schools is more important than ever. There was a time when mental health was rarely discussed, especially in educational settings. However, things are changing, and I’m grateful to be part of a school that prioritizes student well-being.

At Springdales School, we have made mental health support a top priority. I have worked closely with students and seen how small changes can make a significant difference. From personal experience, I know that students often feel overwhelmed as they juggle academics, extracurricular activities, friendships, and sometimes family issues. It’s a lot to handle, especially for young minds still in development. I’ve had students come to me stressed about exams or feeling isolated from their peers, and I’ve seen how proper support can turn things around.

Springdales has implemented several programs to ensure that no student feels they are facing these challenges alone. For instance, we offer regular counseling sessions available to any student who needs someone to talk to. I recall a student who was struggling with anxiety—she felt judged, lacked confidence, and didn’t want to come to school. Over time, this affected her sleep and friendships. After just a few counseling sessions, she began to open up about her feelings, and we worked together on coping strategies. Witnessing her gradual improvement and growing confidence was incredibly rewarding.

One aspect I truly appreciate is how our school normalizes conversations about mental health. We conduct workshops and activities where students can learn about stress management, mindfulness, and self-care. It is not just about “fixing” problems when they arise; it is also about equipping students with the tools to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming.

I recently led a session for kindergarten parents on nurturing healthy and resilient children. We explored strategies for fostering emotional resilience and creating a supportive environment both at home and school. Parents appreciated learning how resilience helps children navigate setbacks, build confidence, and adapt to challenges, ultimately supporting their long-term emotional well-being.

Teachers at Springdales are also trained to recognize signs of mental health struggles. It’s not always obvious when a student is having a tough time, but with the right training, we can spot the signs early. I’ve had conversations with teachers who noted that a student seemed quieter than usual, allowing us to intervene before the situation worsened. These small observations can make a huge difference in a student’s life.

Peer support is another valuable initiative. Some students feel more comfortable talking to their friends than to an adult, so we’ve trained a group of students—our inclusion champions—to serve as peer counselors. I’ve seen students reach out to their peers for help and feel more at ease sharing their concerns. This fosters a community of care and understanding, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.

As a counselor, I can’t express how proud I am to be part of a school that prioritizes mental health. At Springdales, we focus not just on academic achievements but on the whole student. We want our students to feel supported, understood, and empowered to face challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

Mouna Sudheer Naik

School Guidance Counsellor

Springdales School Dubai