Perspectives of students with mental health problems on improving the school environment and practice

Mental health problems are increasingly common risk factors for chronic pain, while stressors in school are associated with persistent and recurrent pain among students, and negatively associated with educational achievements. Clearly, it is important to identify elements that influence frequencies or intensities of mental health problems. To assist such efforts, this study analysed views of interviewed upper secondary students, in terms of physical, social and mental spaces. The results corroborate previous findings, such as the importance of school staff members collaboratively addressing students' problems. However, the participants also explicitly or implicitly suggested other improvements in school environments and practices that could help them to cope, thereby enhancing their functioning. These included treating mental health problems as general problems rather than problems of a specific group, to reduce stigmatisation and frequencies of symptoms. They also indicate that small interventions, e.g. providing help with structuring schoolwork and other activities may be surprisingly beneficial.