With the return to school comes the prevalence of colds and germs shared in enclosed spaces. And as children return to school across the country, it’s important for those around them to remember that their mental health is as important as their physical health.
Most people have read or seen articles about the youth mental health crisis plaguing the country. Due to an ongoing pandemic, lack of in-person social interactions, social upheaval and more, children and teens are facing unique events that even adults don’t know how to handle. Adolescence is already a confusing time without the added fears about school safety, health, family financial security, and the loss of loved ones. It should come as no surprise, then, that rates of anxiety, depression, suicide and other mental health issues are on the rise.
With its new Back to School Toolkit, Mental Health America (MHA) recognizes that young people are feeling “all the feels” as the new school year approaches.
THE MHA Toolkit Resources examine the issues young people face that impact their mental health and offer advice on how to manage them and the emotions that result. The toolkit can also help parents and school staff better understand issues, such as the effects of social media on young people’s mental health and how to support them.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also has information specific to the stress associated with going back to school. THE Resources for the Fall 2022 Back to School provide information to educators and parents, children, adolescents and students. Additionally, the “Hope Begins With Us: Back-to-School Anxiety» The podcast offers more information.
The NPR article “Keep an eye on your students’ mental health during the start of the school yearis another helpful resource as students and caregivers prepare to return to the classroom.
Other organizations also have resources specifically aimed at helping youth, adolescents and their families, including:
- Taking care of your mind creates experiences that open minds and show people that they are not alone when they are struggling. Its young adult speakers, who have successfully and productively faced their mental health challenges, share their stories of hope, recovery and resilience. They use the power of storytelling to provide evidence-based education about mental health issues in schools, communities and workplaces. Minding Your Mind encourages young people to seek help and ensures that those around them are effectively prepared to provide that help. Learn more about https://www.mindingyourmind.org.
- Teen Talk app is a free, anonymous and safe space for teens to seek support from trained peers and learn from others with similar experiences. Teenagers can talk freely to their peers about everyday problems and their mental health in general. Teen counselors are trained to support peers through a wide range of experiences, including anxiety, depression, relationships, family issues, school and more. Adolescent counselors are supervised by licensed mental health professionals. Learn more about https://www.teentalkapp.com.
- The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth. Trained counselors are available 24/7 for young people who are in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need to talk to a safe, non-judgmental person. Call 866-488-7386, text START to 678-678 or start an online chat. Learn more about https://www.thetrevorproject.org.
These resources are available because of the prevalence of mental health issues among youth. MHA has created a report that addresses the youth mental health crisis. Indicators of youth mental health and well-being reflect a growing public health crisis that has only been made worse by COVID-19. Titled “Addressing the youth mental health crisis: the urgent need for more education, services and support“, MHA’s report is designed to guide advocacy at the state level and begin to create a framework for federal policy. The report aims to document alarming trends in youth mental health and disparities in access to care; address several innovative state legislative solutions to promote school-based mental health education, supports, and services; and highlight the effect of these policies on promoting equity and the role of youth leaders in securing legislation.
Mental health screenings available through MHA
Free, confidential and anonymous screening tools are available through MHA at MHAScreening.org for young people and parents concerned about mental health. After selection, results are provided along with advice on next steps and additional information.
Serious signs that a person is in crisis and needs help, such as thoughts or plans to harm themselves or others, should be addressed promptly. If anyone thinks a child or young person is in immediate danger of committing a suicidal act, they should call National lifeline for suicide prevention on 988. Their trained crisis counselors can help them find local resources or suggest next steps.
ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES TO HELP TEACHERS, STAFF AND STUDENTS
To help faculty and staff
Review the “Mental health resources” Web page for a variety of resources available to faculty and staff, which support the behavioral health pillar of Healthy boiler programand information about Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and addiction.
To help students
Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) – provider of medical plans for college and graduate students – offers 292 unique mental health providers working in various locations in-network with UHCSR in Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to You are the healthiest, which provides virtual access to mental health care under the UHCR plan. All services are free for students covered by the UHCSR insurance plan.
