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Students mental healthIn 1999, the U.S. Surgeon General reported that one in five children and adolescents will experience a significant mental health problem during their education years. When students experience mental health problems, conflicts with peers and adults increase, completion of schoolwork decreases, and students who are struggling emotionally and behaviorally are more likely to drop out of school. Research shows that students with good mental health are more successful in school. It is important that school administrators promote school climates that support positive mental health, including training for all staff on emotional and behavioral needs of students, the early warning signs of problems, and policies and procedures when those reach crisis proportions. School mental health professionals such as school psychologists, should have specific training in school systems, educational learning theories, school law, and intervention and prevention in school environments. When other community-based professionals provide services for students, they should coordinate closely with their school counterparts. Prevention programs designed for students, or that target students who are at risk for failure, need to be a part of any school mental health program. Examples of these include school violence prevention, bullying prevention, social skills training, developmental asset building, conflict resolution, and social norming campaigns. Along with formal means of assessing students, such as depression screenings, informal approaches also need to be encouraged. Checking in with certain students, and observing and listening to student interactions in the lunchroom and hallways can help determine on a daily basis how everyone is doing. Emotional issues and crisis in the school setting are inevitable. Having staff that are well informed and trained about mental health issues will result in calm, caring interactions with students and everyone involved. Contributed by Karen Schueler, MS, LCPC, Manager, Consultation and Education Dept. Mail questions to: High Plains Mental Health Center, PLAIN SENSE, Consultation and Education Department, 208 East 7th, Hays, KS 67601; or visit www.highplainsmentalhealth.com.
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