Supporting Mental Health in K-12 Schools
Director of Education & Government Practice
Partner
A child’s mental health is a vital part of their overall well-being, influencing how they think, feel, and act. It is shaped by a mix of personal and community factors. Unfortunately, challenges like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts are becoming increasingly common among young people. Early intervention by teachers, counselors, and parents is key to supporting student well-being.
Signs of mental health issues:
- Emotional Changes: Persistent sadness, irritability, anxiety, or hopelessness.
- Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal, aggression, difficulty concentrating, or declining academic performance.
- Physical Symptoms: Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, or sleep changes.
- Social Signs: Isolation, difficulty maintaining friendships, or increased conflict.
- Severe Warning Signs: Talk of self-harm, risky behaviors, or drastic personality shifts.
K-12 schools are critical partners in supporting the mental health and well-being of students. They provide an opportunity to reach a large number of youth with strategies that can lessen the impact of negative experiences and improve students’ health and well-being.
- Establish safe and supportive environments.
- Connect students to caring adults and encourage positive peer relationships.
- Give students mental health support and link them and their families to community behavioral and mental health services.
The Classroom WISE tool is an industry recommended training package for K-12 educators to support the mental health of students using evidence-based strategies and skills. For further guidance on addressing mental health in schools, review the Guidance to State and School Systems on Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in Schools.
Strategies to Create a Culture of Well-being
Developing and monitoring a safe school climate is the foundation of education-based mental health. Your school climate reflects the values, goals, norms, teaching styles, development opportunities, and interpersonal relationships among your district’s teachers and students.
Expand Access to Mental Health Services
- Hire school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to provide on-site mental health support.
- Partner with local mental health organizations to offer therapy or counseling services in schools.
- Implement telehealth programs for mental health consultations.
Build Awareness and Skills
- Introduce social-emotional learning (SEL) programs to teach students coping strategies, emotional regulation, and resilience.
- Conduct mental health awareness campaigns for students, staff, and families to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help.
- Provide staff training to recognize warning signs of mental health challenges and intervene early.
Create Supportive Environments
- Design safe spaces, like wellness rooms, where students can decompress and manage stress.
- Develop peer support programs where students can talk to trained peers about their concerns.
- Encourage inclusive school climates where bullying and discrimination are actively addressed.
Connect Families to Resources
- Host family education nights to discuss mental health and share available resources.
- Offer referrals to community-based services for families needing additional support.
Promote Healthy Practices
- Incorporate regular mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques into the school day.
- Support physical activity and nutrition programs that contribute to overall mental health.
Monitor and Respond to Needs
- Conduct regular mental health screenings with parental consent to identify issues early.
- Develop individualized plans for students experiencing ongoing challenges.
Restrict Access to Self-Harm Materials
- Limit access to medications and weapons to reduce self-harm risks.
- Educate families on safe storage practices at home.
- Enforce school policies on medication and weapon safety.
Address Trauma
- Provide ongoing staff training to recognize trauma, its effects, and symptoms.
- Integrate trauma-informed practices to support affected students effectively.
- Learn and educate about trauma types and school-based approaches to care.
The School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation System (SHAPE) is an easily accessible tool for school districts to leverage, at no cost. SHAPE can address the current climate, evaluate strengths, identify areas for growth, and monitor progress in school mental health across districts.
Key Takeaways
Supporting student mental health is critical to their overall well-being and success. With challenges like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts on the rise, early intervention by teachers, counselors, and parents is essential. Schools play a pivotal role by fostering safe, inclusive environments, connecting students to mental health resources, and creating opportunities for positive relationships.
Tools like Classroom WISE and evidence-based approaches can equip educators to identify and address mental health needs effectively, ensuring students feel supported and capable of thriving.
