Mental Health and Wellness
By fostering an environment where students feel safe and supported in seeking help, schools can encourage early intervention and support for mental health issues. Accessibility to mental health services within schools is crucial for ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or needs, have equal opportunities to thrive. By working together, schools and mental health centers can build a comprehensive network of support that addresses the diverse needs of students, making mental wellness a reachable goal for every student. Attendance problems increase among students with mental health issues who may avoid school due to anxiety, depression, or social fears. NCSMH’s School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation (SHAPE) SystemThe SHAPE system is a public-access, web-based platform that offers schools, districts and states a workspace and targeted resources to support school mental health quality improvement.
Setting Up a Policy for Mental Health Absences
Fun, simple, curriculum-linked resources to inspire primary-aged children to get moving for mental health and wellbeing. Teachers and other school staff play a multitude of roles, including monitoring students’ mental health and providing support as needed. In 2022, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act allowed for new funding sources to support school-based mental health services, however the Trump Administration froze $1 billion in funding in 2025. This change may be due to the cessation of pandemic-era relief funds, like the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, which provided schools with the financial resources to address increasing concerns about student mental health. These universal behavioral health screenings are considered a best practice and allow for schools to better identify all students with needs and tailor services to their specific student population.
Children’s Mental Health Week
- Hopeful Futures CampaignMore information on the national report card that scores every state on policies that support school mental health, and the action center to empower caregivers about our children and youth to learn more and drive change in their community.
- When students learn to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions healthily, they are better equipped to face adversities, leading to improved academic performance and overall well-being.
- Ideal for professionals working with young people aged 11-25.
- The hallways of our schools are not just pathways to classrooms; they’re corridors of emotional growth, social development, and psychological challenges.
- There are several strategies schools and districts can implement to support student mental health and well-being.
Our resources emphasize early intervention, mental health literacy, and coping strategies for students, aligning with our mission to promote mental wellness in educational settings. As we move forward, it’s imperative that the dialogue surrounding mental health in education continues to evolve, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and holistic wellness for all students. By integrating coping mechanisms education into the curriculum, schools can empower students with the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Such coordination ensures that mental health interventions are integrated seamlessly with the student’s educational goals, allowing for a supportive and adaptable learning environment.
Reactions to traumatic events may manifest as emotional, cognitive, interpersonal and physical symptoms. Many survivors of mass shootings will experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression following the incident, with symptoms persisting one year or longer in a smaller group of survivors. Supporters, including first responders and victim support providers, may also experience mental-health https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/why-and-how-leaders-should-tackle-teacher-wellness difficulties in the aftermath of the shooting. Following this tragedy, our communities may feel less safe and we may worry about family and loved ones. Although mass shootings and gun violence have long plagued American communities, events like yesterday’s mass shooting at a high school in northern British Columbia are rare in Canada.
Our team of professionals offers support ranging from individual counseling and group therapy to professional development workshops for teachers, ensuring they have the necessary tools to support student mental health effectively. Similarly, the emphasis on training teachers and staff in mental health first aid has underscored the community’s role in creating a nurturing environment where every member feels equipped to support one another. The initiative to incorporate technologies, such as mental health apps and online resources, acknowledges the changing landscape of student engagement and offers innovative solutions to traditional challenges. Recognizing the role of failure in learning and growth is equally important, teaching students that setbacks are not just obstacles but opportunities for development. Such practices not only support individual mental health but also contribute to a calmer, more focused learning environment.
While high standards are important, they shouldn’t come at the cost of student well-being. It’s about creating a sense of belonging that can buffer against mental health challenges. This means fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, kindness is the norm, and every student feels valued. It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about mental fitness too. Schools should prioritize physical education, recess, and opportunities for movement throughout the day.