What is it about?
This study looks at how schools in Ukraine can better support the mental health of students and teachers—especially during tough times like war. It’s based on conversations with over 200 people, including teachers, students, school psychologists, and principals. The researchers wanted to understand: - What mental health support is missing in schools - What kind of help do students and teachers actually need - How schools can become places that protect and improve mental well-being They came up with a new idea called the "Mental Health Sensitive School". It’s a plan to make schools safer, more supportive, and better prepared to help with mental health issues. That means: - Teaching students and staff about mental health - Training teachers to spot problems early - Making sure help is available when someone needs it - Creating school policies that support mental health for everyone The goal is to make mental health a normal part of school life, not something hidden or ignored.
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Why is it important?
This work matters because mental health challenges are rising—especially in places affected by war, trauma, or crisis. Schools are often the only stable place in a child’s life, so they have a huge opportunity to help. Here’s why it’s timely and vital: - Children and teachers are under pressure. War, displacement, and stress can deeply affect mental health. Schools need tools to respond—not just react. - Mental health is often ignored. Many schools focus only on academics, missing signs of emotional distress until it’s too late. - Early support can prevent bigger problems. When schools are trained to notice and respond early, students are more likely to recover and thrive. - It’s not just about therapy. The study shows how everyday school life, like how teachers talk to students or how rules are made, can either support or harm mental well-being. - This model can be used anywhere. While based in Ukraine, the Mental Health Sensitive School concept can help schools in other countries facing crises, migration, or mental health gaps.
Perspectives
As one of the authors, this project holds a deep personal significance for me. I’ve seen firsthand how schools struggle to support mental health, especially in times of crisis like war or displacement. In Ukraine, many students and teachers face emotional challenges daily, yet schools often lack the necessary tools and training to support them. I believe schools should be more than places for academic learning; they should be safe spaces where mental well-being is protected and nurtured. That’s why I helped develop the Mental Health Sensitive School concept. It’s not just a theory, it’s a practical guide built from real voices and real needs. For me, this work is about hope. It’s about giving educators the confidence to act and giving students the support they deserve. I hope it inspires change not only in Ukraine, but in any school system facing similar challenges.
Vitalii Klymchuk
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Developing the Mental Health Sensitive School Concept: Insights from focus group discussions, PLOS Mental Health, July 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000368.
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