Mental Health Support in Schools

As awareness of mental health continues to grow, more people are exploring therapy as a way to prioritize their well-being. In fact, statistics show that 1 in 5 Gen Z and millennials are currently in therapy. Younger generations, including adolescents and young adults are opening up more about their emotions and the status of their mental health. This raises an important question: Should there be more mental health support in schools?

Recently the New York City Council passed new laws to bring more mental health support in their schools. Mental health concerns among the youth are receiving more attention than ever before. Since Covid-19 anxiety and depression has doubled in the youth globally. The pandemic has left many young individuals grappling with self-isolation, shortened attention spans, negative thoughts, and fear about the future.

The idea of having more counselors and teachers that are willing to create a safe space where their students can speak freely about their mental health is necessary. As Whitney Houston once said, “I believe that children are our future.” But how do we prepare for the future when today’s children are anxious about theirs? Providing students with the right tools to help them grow and heal is the first step to creating a positive impact on their mental health.

In order to improve the mental health of students, schools have to offer resources. Offering specialized training for teachers can equip them to identify early signs of mental health challenges in their students. Additionally offering educational opportunities for students to learn more about the symptoms of anxiety and depression, fostering greater self awareness and understanding.

Finally, placing a mental health counselor in every school can create a stable and safe environment for students to talk if they are not comfortable speaking with their teachers. Together, these efforts can build a supportive environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically.