In May, we take the time to recognize the crucial importance of mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month. Millions of people around the world experience mental health challenges every day and their struggles are not always visible to those around them. This is especially true for members of the school community including educators, students, and families.
The simple truth is that, like any health challenge, mental health concerns don’t go away on their own—and feeling isolated only exacerbates the issue. According to the CDC, more than 42% of students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third experienced poor mental health in 2021.
We need to do away with the stigma that surrounds the topic and make space for our community members to be honest about what they experience and receive support both within and outside of the school system. Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge mental health struggles and successes and share resources to support living healthier, more balanced lives.
Recognizing the stressors and challenges facing students
Young people undergo physical and mental development as they pass through the education system, which can be intense and stressful even at the best of times. Much of students’ social development also takes place among their peers at school. These factors make school a central location for students’ development—and one of the places where mental health issues can be identified and addressed early.
A recent survey found that nearly 28% of parents identify school-related anxiety or stress as a major reason for their child’s school absences. With chronic absenteeism on the rise in the U.S., addressing students’ mental health concerns can be one strategy for getting them back into the classroom and supporting overall student success.
Superintendent turnover: Lots of new hires, just a few departures
Educators play a major role in helping students navigate such development. School counseling resources can give students an outlet to express their feelings and connect them with support and resources. Health classes can provide direct education on mental health disorders and share techniques and practices to support a healthier lifestyle. And school leaders and administrators can help students whose mental health challenges result in disruptive or harmful behavior.
By giving students targeted support and partnering with families to understand the full picture we can work toward better student outcomes. It’s imperative that school and district leaders help students feel safe and supported as they navigate life’s challenges.
Supporting teachers’ mental health and well-being
It’s hard to overstate the impact that educators have on students’ social and emotional development. But, like anyone, educators can experience mental health challenges. Disruptive classrooms, long hours and crisis incidents can create stress and anxiety for teachers—which doesn’t help them to support students.
And of course, being witness to students in crisis can also have an impact on teachers’ well-being. Teachers who don’t feel supported to do their jobs or maintain a healthy work-life balance risk burnout.
The National Institute of Health has reported that the impact of COVID-19 stressors is still affecting teachers. Research has shown that, in 2022, 75% of teachers and 85% of principals reported experiencing frequent job-related stress, with 59% of teachers and 48% of principals experiencing burnout. Districts across the U.S. are facing staffing shortages and low job satisfaction.
It’s imperative that superintendents and district leaders support educators’ mental health—and their own—so that teachers can bring their best selves to the classroom. Providing mental health support like therapeutic and coaching resources, and helping teachers create firm boundaries between work and personal life, can go a long way. Empowering teachers doesn’t just prevent burnout—it lets teachers know that they can trust leadership to prioritize their health and wellness.
How to support mental health in your school community
Building a healthier school community is an ongoing process. If you want to support students and educators in your school or district, these resources are a great place to start:
- WGU: The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Schools
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Mental Health Awareness Month Resources
- Youth.gov: School-Based Mental Health
- SAMHSA: Tips and Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
