How Schools Can Help Student Mental Health

Schools are the place our children receive their education and start developing into independent young adults with their own voice and identity. It is often here that students start thinking critically about themselves, their place in the world, as well as their hopes and fears for the future.

One unspoken yet critical component of education that goes beyond academics is student mental health. With rising concerns about mental health in children and adolescents across the nation, it’s becoming increasingly clear that schools play a vital role in student mental health efforts and awareness. After all, this is the place our children spend most of their weekdays.

With this in mind, it’s time to ask ourselves: What is the significance of mental health in schools? And how can schools support student mental health?

At Hartgrove Hospital, we care deeply for the mental health needs of our youth. Join us as we provide the answers to these questions, and more, in this educational article.

The Importance of Mental Health in Schools

Schools are meant to prepare students for adulthood and set them up for success in “the real world.” And while much emphasis is placed on academic performance and extracurriculars, it’s time we start focusing on the role of mental health as well.

Schools are an environment of learning and development, but also one in which students face many challenges, pressures and stress factors. Whether it be anxiety over an upcoming test or fear of social rejection, it seems like students are constantly navigating a messy mental health maze.

In addition to this, there’s often a lack of mental health services in schools which make it difficult for students to get help . Whether this be due to budget constraints, insufficient staff training or stigma surrounding mental health issues, this complicates matters even further.

Poor mental health has been linked to increased rates of homelessness, unemployment and incarceration. It has also been connected to poorer physical health outcomes, whether that be through the development of chronic diseases or through self-harming behaviors.

If we want to set our children up for success in life, we have to make sure they understand their mental health and know how to prioritize their well-being. 

One thing, then, is clear. Mental health in schools is important.

How Can Schools Help with Mental Health?

Schools have a unique opportunity to provide a supportive mental health network for students, which can help lay a healthy foundation for how they deal with their mental health throughout the rest of their lives. There are different ways schools can step in to make a difference. A few examples include:

School-based mental health services

One of the most direct ways schools can assist is by providing school-based mental health services. This can include access to counselors, psychologists and social workers who specialize in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of young people. These professionals can offer individual counseling, group therapy sessions and crisis intervention when necessary. They can also provide psychoeducation, which has the goal of teaching people more about their mental health and gives them the tools to better manage it.

Mental health education in schools

Similarly, schools can also provide mental health education throughout the year. This can include incorporating mental health topics in the school curriculum, having posters or flyers in the halls with raising mental health awareness or even sending out emails with educational resources.

Implementing mental health education empowers students with knowledge about their mental well-being and reduces the stigma associated with asking for help. It can also help foster open and honest communication and promote a more compassionate and understanding school culture.

Student support systems

Another effective idea is to create student support systems. This may include mentorship programs, peer counseling or even student-led initiatives meant to educate their peers and do good in the community.

These types of support systems can raise mental health awareness in schools and provide students with the resources they need to thrive. It also enables them to foster a sense of care, solidarity and trust among peers.

Training for educators

Educators are often the front line of defense when it comes to observing and responding to student’s mental health needs. However, it can be challenging to step in when you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Providing mental health training for educators can truly make a difference. It enables them to recognize the (often subtle) signs of distress and respond to them in a timely and appropriate manner.

Parental involvement

Of course, it is also vital for parents to be involved in mental health education, as this can create a more unified approach in supporting students. Schools may decide to provide workshops or informational sessions to help parents understand common mental health challenges their children may face and what they can do to support them at home.

Hope Is Here

Hartgrove Hospital is a behavioral health hospital located in Chicago, Illinois. Some of our programs include our inpatient and outpatient services as well as our trauma program and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). 

To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 773-572-7900.

 

Hartgrove Hospital

Hartgrove Hospital is a Modern Behavioral Health Hospital that specializes in personalized treatment for adults, adolescents and children. We pride ourselves on delivering quality care provided by our compassionate and thoughtful staff. Our mission is to restore the emotional well-being of our patients, while giving them the proper resources for their future.

Some of our programs include our inpatient and outpatient services. As well as our trauma and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). These programs are offered with an all-encompassing psychiatric healthcare service that is both effective and efficient. Located in Chicago, IL, our facility has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 773-572-7900 .