Identity and student mental health
Effective school mental health recognizes and affirms the identities of every student, regardless of their background or experiences. Identity-affirming school mental health addresses inequities and creates an inclusive and supportive environment for every student.
Leadership that embraces cultural humility and emphasizes the importance of belonging is vital in building coherence. When leaders acknowledge and respect diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences, and recognize mental health and well-being as the foundation for learning, coherence is strengthened.
The goal of the Identity-Affirming School Mental Health Frame is to guide boards and schools as they thoughtfully reflect on their respective communities and plan resources and supports that meet the unique needs of every student. This inclusive approach to identity-affirming mental health ensures that mental health promotion efforts resonate with every student and create an environment conducive to their holistic development.
- There are four points identified in the Desk References for Directors of Education and Supervisory Officers that connect identity-affirming mental health and well-being as the foundation for learning. The section is titled “You lead with cultural humility in ways that encourage belonging”.
- Prioritize a focus on caring, inclusive, safe, identity-affirming learning environments, drawing on an anti-racist, anti-oppressive stance.
- Take action to address any disproportionate impacts on student mental health that arise because of negative influences related to the social determinants of health.
- Elevate/recognize school board and local community strengths, cultural assets and values.
- Engage students in deep, meaningful and relevant ways.
It is important to acknowledge and address structures and processes that may inadvertently disadvantage some young people and families and look for ways to strengthen a sense of belonging, mattering, and hope for every student.
Self-reflection is crucial for leaders to understand their personal values, beliefs and biases. This self-awareness will support leaders to lead in ways that encourage belonging.
The Cultural Humility Tool facilitates this process and supports work with departments, schools and communities.
Explore further the relationship between identity and student mental health.