According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 1 in 4 people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. That is 1 out of 4 of all of us. No matter your colour, creed, class or age, Mental Health is something that we should be actively aware of and not afraid of. We are social beings who strive to learn about the world around us. I believe this curiosity stems from a young age and is magnified in the learning environment of the classroom. We need to encourage young people to openly talk about how they are feeling and educate them on Mental Health issues that can affect them through school years such as Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders and more. By increasing knowledge, we can increase early intervention of people aware of their own Mental Health.

I myself have been through difficult times, as well as a lot of my friends and family members. Its only through studying psychology, that led me to learning about Mental Health and it has made me re-evaluate how I think, how I cope with everyday stresses and even though I still have bad days, I have knowledge of my Mental Health and how to get myself back on track. I would hate to think that this lack of knowledge or not knowing where to turn could be negatively affecting many young people.

PSHE is not on the national curriculum. It is down to the individual institute on how and what they teach. On the governments' website, there are statutory guidelines on how to teach Sex & Relationship Education and resources for Alcohol and Drug education. But no guidance regarding Mental Health education. Maybe there should be more of a supportive standardised framework for PSHE on the national curriculum and it should include Mental Health. Maybe PSHE should be compulsory, educating young people regularly about issues that directly affect them.

I am passionate about Mental health and want to see an end to discrimination and stigma. It is ok to talk about Mental Health; Human beings fear the unknown and education is the only answer to eradicate that fear. Please join me in urging this government to do something about the teaching of Mental Health. I believe it should be on the National Curriculum due to the sheer number of people Mental Health issues affect; If it is not you yourself then it very well may be someone close to you, so knowledge whilst can be good for early intervention, can be an advantage in support and understanding for a loved one.

PLEASE SIGN this petition to ensure Mental Health is taught in the classroom; To put Mental Health in an equal position with subjects such as safe sex, drugs and alcohol education, to eliminate stigma, but to also make young people aware of signs that they themselves or friends or family may be experiencing Mental Health issues and appropriate signposting about getting help.