Written by Dr Jolanta Burke
In today’s bustling educational landscape, there’s a palpable buzz surrounding health and wellbeing initiatives. European schools are no exception, as they find themselves awash in solutions aimed at tackling stress and mental health challenges among children. It’s a noble pursuit, no doubt. But did you know that only 10-20% of children grapple with mental health issues?
This statistic raises an eyebrow or two. It begs the question: Are we focusing our efforts on the right direction? Many of the solutions currently in vogue seem tailored for this minority, leaving most children feeling left out. This stark contrast sets some approaches apart from others.
Our PsyTales are the beacon of a unique approach. We’re not just here to bandage the wounds of those already hurting. No, our mission is far grander than that. Our tales are crafted with a dual purpose: to support children in need while equipping the broader student body with the psychological resilience they need to navigate life’s twists and turns. It’s a subtle yet significant shift in perspective.
Picture a spectrum stretching from one end marked by mental illnesses like depression and anxiety to the other, where lies a state called “languishing.” This is a tricky place where children may not yet have a formal diagnosis but feel disconnected from their surroundings, vulnerable, and unsettled. It’s like being in limbo, where you’re told you’re not quite unwell enough to warrant a diagnosis, yet you’re not exactly thriving either. Sadly, around 10% of children find themselves in this tricky place.
Moving along this continuum, we encounter most children who reside in a state of moderate mental health. By and large, they feel pretty good, but now and then, emotions can hijack their psyche, leaving them feeling down, depressed, or irritable. They may also grapple with existential questions, pondering their life’s purpose or feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty. For this group, traditional stress-based solutions often need to be revised. They’ve already honed their life skills but need something extra to flourish.
And then there’s flourishing—a state of optimal mental wellbeing that enables individuals to navigate life’s challenges with relative ease. In this state, we’re equipped to cope and thrive, thanks to a rich array of resources that enrich our lives and make them genuinely fulfilling. Think passions, positive relationships, a sense of autonomy, and an underlying happiness that infuses each day with meaning. We aim to cultivate this state of flourishing among children, ensuring not just good lives but lives worth living.
The exciting news is that the keys to psychological flourishing aren’t elusive—they’re skills that can be learned. And that’s precisely what PsyTales are all about. Our tales are rooted in solid scientific research, delving into the psychological resources that pave the way for children to thrive truly. We’re not just about alleviating stress or tackling anxiety and depression; we’re here to arm children with the essential life skills they need to unlock their full potential. That’s why our tales are crafted for every child, not just the few who may be struggling.
So, come along with us on a journey of discovery. Let’s explore how even the smallest shifts in thinking, managing emotions, or daily habits can set the stage for flourishing with PsyTales. Instead of merely addressing problems as they arise, we’re proactively arming children with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. And that is a story worth telling.
