Application of preventive activities for the promotion of mental health in Kelmė district schools

Abstract

The article analyzes the concept of mental health and reveals the impact of mental health disorders on students' health and academic achievement. An anonymous questionnaire survey of 11th - 12th grade students was conducted in five gymnasiums of Kelmė district in order to assess the nature and forms of mental health promotion and prevention activities applied in schools, the attractiveness of activities and the usefulness of information for students. The survey found that students have a positive view of mental health promotion and prevention activities in schools, which focus on the use of psychotropic substances, bullying prevention, violence management, gender identity and sexuality. It was also found that students living in urban areas evaluate the activities of a public health specialist better than students living in rural areas. Girls statistically significantly better evaluate the usefulness of the applied mental health promotion activities, the attractiveness of information and the nature of the activities compared to boys.

Keywords: mental health, mental illness, health promotion, preventive activities.