For Staff:
Student Mental Health
Student Mental Health Awareness Week is a week set aside to recognize the importance mental health plays in students’ lives, their experience in school, and their future.
Prior to COVID-19, Mental Health America reports that 1 in 5 school-aged children had a diagnosable mental health issue.
Over 10 million U.S. students between the ages of 13 and 18 need professional help to address mental health issues.
Mental health issues often begin during school-age years with indicators often starting in elementary school.
Common Mental Health Conditions in Children and Youth
Depression
Signs:
Irritability or anger
Increased sensitivity to rejection
Continuous feeling of sadness and hopelessness
Social withdrawal
Changes in appetite - either increased or decreased
Vocal outbursts or crying
Changes in sleep - sleeplessness or excessive sleep
Students having a Depressive Episode may:
Feel very sad
Complain about pain a lot such as stomachaches and headaches
Feel guilty and worthless
Have little energy and no interest in fun activities
Think about dead or suicide
School Refusal
Symptoms:
Child saying they feel sick often or waking up with a headache, stomachache, or sore throat.
If child stays home from school, these symptoms might go away but come back the next morning before school.
Child may have crying spells or throw temper tantrums.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Possible Conditions Connected to PTSD:
Child abuse
Acts of school/ community violence
Natural or manmade disasters
Car crash
Witnessing another person go through traumatic events
Being diagnosed with a life-threating illness or having a parent diagnosed with one.
Child may have crying spells or throw temper tantrums.
Anxiety Disorders
Facts:
Excessive worry interfering with function
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is most common form of anxiety
Worry is sometimes alleviated by time-consuming compulsions
Social anxiety that interferes with social relationships and self esteem
It is helpful to externalize the problem with kids who are anxious
*Symptoms are only one way to identify possible student mental health issues. They are a starting point that leads us to determine if additional support is needed.
Mental Health Resources
Tips for Talking with and Helping Children Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event (PDF)
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in a Mental Health Context
Websites for Coping Strategies and Brain Breaks
