Supporting Student Mental Health: Key Takeaways From School and District Staff

School counselors are often at the heart of this effort, offering direct support to students and guiding the implementation of mental health initiatives Supporting student mental health is a multifaceted endeavor requiring commitment from the entire school community. Establishing clear and confidential ways for students to seek help and posting the steps to do so is another key strategy to support students’ mental health needs. Well-being surveys offer a https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/02/18/when-strength-resilience-and-blackgirlmagic-is-a-burden/ more comprehensive look at students’ mental health and overall satisfaction with their school experience.

By collaborating with schools, we provide access to a comprehensive suite of mental health services designed to address the diverse needs of students. By engaging with community mental health centers, schools can access an extensive range of services and expertise, enhancing their ability to support students’ mental well-being. Further developing the capacity of teachers and staff involves empowering them with a toolkit of resources and strategies designed to support students facing mental health challenges.

Addressing Emotional Health and Academics Together

In terms of policy, we recommend that educational institutions implement policies that prioritize mental wellbeing in their assessment and disciplinary procedures, recognize signs of mental distress as a factor in academic performance and behavior, and respond with supportive measures. The prevention, early detection, and treatment of mental health problems should occur more intensively and comprehensively in schools. Acknowledging signs of mental distress in academic performance and behavior, and adopting supportive rather than punitive measures in response, can help cultivate an environment that prioritizes student well-being.

• In a school district in Colorado, mindfulness programs were introduced to help students manage stress and improve focus.
• Integrate lessons on mental health into existing curricula.
• Using data and research to inform mental health policies and practices is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of mental health programs and services.
• And a 2019 study of 14-year-olds in the United Kingdom found a correlation between greater social media use and poor sleep habits, poor body image, and a higher likelihood of experiencing online harassment, particularly among girls.
• Chronic absenteeism not only affects individual student learning but also disrupts classroom dynamics and peer relationships essential for social development.

Roles

To be clear, targeted mental health treatment can benefit some youth with mental disorders. Along with shifts in diagnostic criteria and increased public awareness and testing, the expanded youth population considered appropriate for mental health treatment doubled the prevalence rate of ADHD diagnoses among youth from 5.5% in 1997 to 11.3% today. Recent reports suggest an increase in teens proclaiming self-diagnosed disorders to teachers. This is in line with evidence showing that social contagion can induce depression, suicide, self-harm, gun violence, bullying, cyberbullying, and violent offending. But increasing the social acceptability of mental disorders has had the negative effect of normalizing suicidal behavior, pathologizing emotions, incentivizing diagnosis-seeking, and disincentivizing overcoming adversity.

Limited Access to Mental Health Services

It’s important for students to know and understand how they can reach out to an adult for help when they need it. Surveys also elevate student voice by giving students a platform to share their experiences and suggestions. These surveys can cover various aspects, from academic stress to social relationships and physical health. Peer mentors can provide relatable guidance and a listening ear, thus reducing the feeling of isolation and fostering a sense of community. The key is that school and classroom culture are supportive and open in ways that cultivate a supportive and open environment. For school administrators and counselors, understanding and addressing mental health is not just beneficial—it’s essential.