As Mental Health Month comes to a close, we want to provide resources for continuing the important conversations within schools, families, and communities moving forward. Our kids deserve for their mental well-being to be a number one priority every day. In this blog, we will share a few of the great organizations doing the work to make this a reality for students nationwide by offering the tools and guidelines needed for better support.
Along with the absence of illness, mental health also incorporates the presence of high levels of wellbeing, such as experiencing positive emotions, feeling fulfilled, contributing to the community, and coping well with daily life stressors. School-based initiatives promote this wellness in a safe space readily accessible to kids. Programs emphasizing student voice and family or community involvement give students the support they need. Studies show comprehensive school mental health systems provide a variety of benefits for students including greater academic success, reduced absenteeism, decreased behavioral concerns, and improved school climate.
With the staggering statistics surrounding youth mental health, these programs are becoming increasingly necessary. One in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness with one in five experiencing a diagnosed mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. In the past decade, the number of teens with major depressive episodes has nearly doubled, and suicide has become the second leading cause of death for that age range. An estimated 80% of kids struggle in silence, rather than seeking treatment.
But for those who do receive the mental health support they need, as many as 70% of them do so through school. Navigating the system can be daunting and overwhelming for kids and parents alike. When services and resources are offered at school, however, it can ease the process, while saving and improving lives. Luckily, a variety of existing organizations already have incredible programs in place to help schools and students in the journey.
#1 Hope Squad
Born out of a vow to combat the suicide crisis plaquing Provo City School District in Utah, Hope Squad uses peer-to-peer counseling to change the face of suicide prevention in schools. Through Hope Squad, students nominate kind, trustworthy peers who receive training from advisors on how to identify warning signs and step into help those struggling. With a mission to foster human connection, community, and hope, the program reduces youth suicide through training, empowerment, education, and peer intervention. It increases connectedness, inclusion, and social-emotional skills.
Start a Hope Squad Today: https://hopesquad.com/
#2 Gamechanger Athletes
Participation in sports can play a valuable role in mental wellness through regular exercise, sleep improvements, confidence building, social skills, and leadership opportunities. At the same time, though, high-level athletics can also bring added stress and scrutiny to athletes striving for toughness and perfectionism.
Gamechanger Athletes (GCA) applies sport psychology tools, interventions, and practices to improve the mentality and overall performance of individuals and groups. As a nonprofit organization providing affordable, equitable services, GCA aims to facilitate a holistic approach to developing athletes’ character, mental well-being, and growth mindset. GCA helps foster skills to deal with managing expectations, concentration, confidence, coping with mistakes, perfectionism, social approval, pre-performance routines, pregame jitters, goal setting, fear of failure, efficient practice, injury recovery, teamwork, and emotional regulation.
Develop Your Growth Mindset Today: https://www.gamechangerathletes.org/
#3 Stand for the Silent
Founded in 2010 and run solely on donations, Stand for the Silent (SFTS) is one of the leading anti-bullying organizations. A group of students started SFTS after hearing the story of Kirk and Laura Smalley’s son, Ty, who took his life at eleven years old after being bullied for over two years. The platform has since allowed Kirk and Laura to offer education and tools to over 6,000 schools and over 4 million students. Their program uses an engaging, factual, and emotional methodology to address the issue of teen suicide. Each chapter consists of students committed to change, who pledge to stand up for their peers.
Stand for the Silent in Your School Today: https://standforthesilent.org/
#4 TWLOHA Between the Bells
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a nonprofit organization that started as a story. Originally the founder of TWLOHA sold t-shirts with a simple mission: To cover the cost of treatment for a friend. Since then, though, he has created a whole movement dedicated to spreading hope and finding help for those struggling with mental health. As TWLOHA has grown, they have continued to develop additional tools including a one-week interactive program for schools called Between the Bells. Designed to spark authentic conversations and remind those struggling they are not alone, the program educates students about common mental health challenges, the resources that exist, and how they can play a key role in breaking the stigma.
Raise Awareness Today: https://twloha.com/highschool/
The state of the youth mental health crisis can be alarming and overwhelming. But with the emergence of a variety of programs all working to bring healing and nurture wellness, hope for a happier, healthier tomorrow exists. It takes a village to raise awareness and save lives. The next generation, however, has already shown themselves ready and willing to step up to the challenge. Let’s help them change the world for themselves and others.
Programs Mentioned in Article
https://www.gamechangerathletes.org/
https://hopesquad.com/
https://standforthesilent.org/
https://twloha.com/highschool/
Helpful Mental Health Resources
https://988lifeline.org/ – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you or someone you know is in distress
https://jedfoundation.org/mental-health-resource-center/
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/other/dbasse/wellbeing-tools/interactive/
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/
https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults
https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/our-work/focus-areas/public-health/substance-use/
https://aakomaproject.org/resources/
Additional Blog Resources
https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/the-benefits-of-mental-health-programs-in-schools
https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/School-Wellness/School-based-Mental-Health
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