I've name-changed for this because in the context of my other posts it could be identifying.
I teach in a modern university. My students are diverse, but the vast majority are between 18-26. I'm an X'er and grew up in the 70s and 80s. I do not have children, relevant because my only point of contact is through my work.
To be succinct, the first part of my AIBU is to wonder if mental illnesses / health concerns are increasing in young people today (compared with recent generations). I ask this because large numbers of my students have various anxieties and other MH issues. In the context of one of my classes, I ask who knows someone personally who has committed suicide and almost every hand goes up. I see cutters and other harmers in class and have read more notes from MH professionals than I care to think about. Other colleagues say the same.
The second, and potentially more controversial part of my ABIU, is to ask whether this has anything at all to do with modern parenting and educational practices (I'm not suggesting that these are the only contributing factors). I ask this because many (and certainly not all) of my students often seem to be so fragile and lacking in resiliency. Many struggle with failure and with comments that are designed to support and pave the way for better work. I'm told by those who have children in the school system that a major focus of parenting and teachers is on self-esteem. I'm confused because the students I see often seem to have very low self-esteem or a sense of personal identity that is strong only when being praised, not challenged. I'm at a loss with regard to how to support them.
Is something going wrong? If so what? Or is it (sadly) all down to the fucked up world we live in more generally?
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
AIBU?
to ask if MH issues amongst our young have increased since my day?
74 replies
UnseenAcademical · 02/11/2016 10:16
OP posts:
YetAnotherSpartacus ·
02/11/2016 10:24
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
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