Schools take a proactive approach to addressing students’ mental health needs
Mental health help services are of the utmost importance in today’s world, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has brought about significant changes in the lives of people, particularly students, who have had to deal with social isolation, uncertainty, and anxiety. It has become imperative to recognize and address the mental health needs of students, and schools across the United States are taking steps in this direction.
Miami-Dade schools have trained all staff to recognize students who may be dealing with mental health issues, expanded the district’s mental health assistance line to seven days a week, and have over 200 student-support specialists to assist. The Beach House at Deerfield Beach High School in Broward County offers free counseling, clothing, shoes, personal care items, and hygiene products for students who feel overwhelmed or sad. The state of students’ mental wellness has taken a plunge, and mental health services can help address this concern.
As the pandemic continues to impact the lives of students, schools are taking a proactive approach to address the mental health needs of their students. Miami-Dade schools have recognized the importance of training all staff to recognize students who may be dealing with mental health issues. In addition, the district’s mental health assistance line has been expanded to seven days a week, and there are over 200 student support specialists to assist students in need. These services are provided free of charge to the students.
Similarly, Broward County is also emphasizing mental health in the public school district and offering increased resources earmarked for students who feel overwhelmed or sad. The Beach House at Deerfield Beach High School offers free counseling, clothing, shoes, personal care items, and hygiene products for students in need. Principal John Marlowe created this facility in 2019 after the deaths of three students, two of whom committed suicide. The facility has become a place of sanctuary for students to decompress and talk about their feelings.
The pandemic has brought about significant changes in the lives of students, and as a result, mental health has become a significant concern. The state of students’ mental wellness has taken a plunge, and students are experiencing stress, anxiety, and emotional delays. Schools must address these concerns by providing mental health services to students. With increasing awareness and resources, schools can become a safe space for students to talk about their feelings, seek assistance, and find ways to cope with the stress and anxiety that they may be experiencing.
