At this point in the pandemic, American teens have spent a significant chunk of their formative years isolated from friends and in fractured learning environments.
Now, more than 2 in 5 teens have reported persistently feeling sad or hopeless, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey of high school students. And within the first couple of months of the pandemic, 1 in 5 teens had seriously considered attempting suicide. These numbers are incredibly alarming and we need solutions to lower this number.
If we can implement mental health resources in schools, we’d be able to directly assist students facing mental health issues. Well-being checks, mental health education, and teacher training has the potential to help millions of teens and even save lives.
Yet, most states haven’t done enough, leaving millions of teens without help.
Many, especially those who were already struggling with trauma or mental health problems, were deeply affected by the prolonged isolation of the pandemic. Today, mass shootings have added to the fear and anxiety many students feel.
This is why it’s so important for schools all over the country to have the mental health resources children need to thrive. School mental health services have the ability to support millions of teens’ mental health in a time when life can be uncertain.
It’s okay to not be okay. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they text HOME to 741741.
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