Happiness in the curriculum: the school teaches students how to fight depression

Happiness in the curriculum: the school teaches students how to fight depression


The unpublished discipline in Germany helps students manage emotions and face difficult times; Know more

Between an increase in cases of depression and excessive use of the screens among young people, a school in Germany He decided to innovate. In the curriculum, it included a discipline focused on emotional well -being: the class of happiness. The proposal is to teach students how to recognize their emotions and develop strategies to face the challenges of everyday life.




The new discipline does not ignore the difficulties of life. On the contrary! Teachers teach that it is natural to face difficult moments and that happiness does not depend on the absence of problems, but on how everyone learns to face them. “I learned many new things. For example, happiness can be very simple, just sing or dance. These things can make us happy again.”A student said, in an interview with the German agency Deutsche Welle.

Where does the initiative come from?

The idea came from the same pedagogical team, which observed the increase in conflicts between students, as well as signs of sadness and demotivation. “We have observed that, in recent years, the general tendency to violence in our society has increased. If we can face this problem originally – and if more schools do the same – I believe that, in fact, we can have an impact on society as a whole.”he said Julia Juhlsprincipal of the school.

How do the lessons work?

Lessons combine simple and significant activities such as conversation wheels, games and even moments of contact with animals. In an exercise, students discuss what to do “when life gives you a lemon”. “I learned that screaming on a pillow can really help. And it’s nice to have a friend for those who can say everything”A student said.

Educators strengthen that the goal is not to force constant happiness, but to promote self -awareness and empathy. Discipline teaches that even emotions such as sadness are valid and that it is possible to seek help and build support links.

Source: Terra

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