Growing Years and Mental Well-Being: Reflections from Health Awareness Session

- By Bishal Khaiju (LA Teacher)

The learning of students needn’t be limited to teachers alone. In fact, there are so many ways students can learn; from their parents, their peers or anyone with a real professional skill. And what better way is there to learn about health than learning from a health professional! That is why we recently organized a Health Awareness program led by Dr. Sashi Jaiswal, an Emergency Room doctor currently working in Sumeru Hospital.

The program titled Growing Years: Health Awareness Program- Understanding Your Body and Changes provided valuable insights into the growing years, a phase marked by rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes. The session aimed to help students understand that these changes are natural and experienced by everyone, though at different times and in different ways. And the students of Grades 5 and 6 were the beneficiaries of the program; students who are more susceptible to confusions due to their changing bodies.

One of the key topics discussed was puberty, a significant milestone in human development. Puberty brings visible physical changes such as an increase in height, changes in body shape, voice changes, and body hair growth. Dr. Jaiswal diligently addressed these imminent changes to the students so the transformations don’t feel confusing discussions uncomfortable; and emphasized that they are a normal part of growing up and a sign of healthy development.

The session also addressed menstruation, explaining it as a natural biological process that marks reproductive maturity in girls. Open discussions helped break common myths and stigma surrounding periods. Emphasis was placed on menstrual hygiene, emotional support, and the importance of understanding and respecting menstruation as a normal aspect of life, not a taboo or something to be hidden and feared.

For boys, topics like nightfall were discussed with sensitivity and clarity. The session highlighted that nightfall is a natural bodily response during puberty and not a disease or a cause for embarrassment. Understanding such changes helps reduce unnecessary fear and promotes self-confidence.

Alongside physical changes, the session strongly focused on mental and emotional changes during puberty. Mood swings, increased self-awareness, stress, curiosity, and a desire for independence are common during this stage.

A Question and Answer session after the presentation from Dr. Jaiswal helped address further queries that the participants had about their health. Participants were encouraged to talk openly about their feelings, seek guidance from trusted adults, and support one another during challenging moments.

In conclusion, the session successfully created a safe and informative space to learn about the growing years from a professional. By promoting awareness about puberty, menstruation, physical and mental changes, and emotional well-being, the program helped students feel more informed, confident, and supported. Such sessions play a crucial role in nurturing healthy minds and bodies during this important phase of life.