Student mental health was the No. 1 concern for school board members: 86% reported being either “extremely concerned” (56%) or “very concerned” (30%), a higher level of extreme concern than was expressed for school funding (51%), staffing challenges (48%) and school safety (46%). “At a time when so many of our children are facing a mental health or substance use crisis, school board members recognize the need to respond. They also know that schools, families and teens themselves have an important role to play to address this crisis and they are eager to find tools that can make a difference. Since 2019, teen MHFA has proven to be a valuable resource to more than 700 schools in 36 states.”

This comes as the nation continues to grapple with a youth mental health crisis. Not only is suicide the third-leading cause of death for youth ages 15–19, but one in four adolescents age 12 to 17 have had a substance use disorder or a major depressive episode in the past year.

School board members see family and home life (66%), social media (57%) and bullying (44%) as the top three issues that most affect student mental health — more than disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (23%). When it comes to recognizing the signs of a student experiencing a mental health challenge, including suicidal thoughts or behaviors, 80% of school board members rank parents, close family members and friends as most likely to see the signs. Recognizing the signs is an important first step.

Ever have a rough day?

Feel stressed?

Overwhelmed?

The Basic Science of Stress-

Stress is a normal reaction to the demands of life; when your brain perceives a threat, your body releases a burst of hormones to fuel your fight/flight/freeze response; and when the threat is gone, your body returns to normal. We can’t always control when these moments occur, but we can control how we prepare and react.

Mindfulness is quite the buzzword these days. But it’s really just paying careful attention to your body, your thoughts, and what’s around you. And it can give kids and youth techniques for calming themselves down when their emotions feel out of control. Mindfulness is a simple and powerful tool to quiet the mind and deal with stress. And kids and youth can do it, often better than adults!

Mindfulness is also great for any kid or youth who has a hard time paying attention. It helps them get a grip on their feelings and what they’re thinking about. Mindfulness can help with transition times, when kids can often have trouble shifting their focus from something they’re involved in to something new. It can also disrupt meltdowns and stop fights when working with children as well.

Starting kids off with mindfulness skills early on can also make things easier for them and their teachers as they get older. It turns behavior problems into times they and their teachers can learn. Teachers learn to ask questions like, “Was that a mindful decision? Did you think about that choice?” They can also remind kids to simply stop and breathe. When kids and teachers have mindfulness language in common, they can use those skills to cope when stressful situations arise.

The ultimate goal of mindfulness is to teach kids and teens to have awareness of their emotions and then to learn how to better control them.

Take a MOMENT to Breathe

Square Breathing - “Before we begin, let’s get grounded and practice our breathing using the square breathing model. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4 and repeat.”

Tools To Build In Mental Wellness

SOUNDS

What are your favorite sounds or playlists? Do you listen to different types of music at different times? For different emotions? Create a playlist on your phone using any streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music for your varying moods, feelings and emotions!

SIGHTS

What images make you smile? Change your screensaver photo and phone backdrop often to spark joy! Print photos to hang on your bedroom wall, in a locker or on a binder that make you smile.

TOUCH

When you were little and upset, did you reach for a stuffed animal or blanket? What items bring you comfort when you touch them? Have things that bring you joy like stress balls, pets, weighted blankets, soft clothing items, hoodie sweatshirts, stuffed animals, etc.

SMELLS

Positive emotions, which can be elicited by certain smells have been proven to lower stress levels and improve overall mental outlook.

What are the smells that help you relax? What are the smells that make you happy?

HUMANS

Who are the humans who make you feel better? Make a list of people who love and support you: friends, parents, extended family, grandparents, siblings, coach, teacher, counselor.

TAKE ACTION

What can you do to help get thoughts and ideas out of your head? Go for a jog, draw, cook, organize, write, and express yourself in a judgment-free zone.

SELF-AFFIRMATIONS

“I give myself permission to feel this way”
“A bad day or a challenge does not define me”
“I choose to exhale the stress and inhale calmness”
“One day at a time, one step at a time”
“My peace is my power”
“I will not compare myself to others' best online life.”
“It’s okay to ask for help.”
“I am worthy”
“God is always with me”
“I can do all things because Jesus makes me strong”

Bible Verses About Stress to Help Ease Your Mind in Stressful Times

Having stress weighing you down day-in and day-out is an incredibly draining feeling that can be hard to shake, especially as your worrying thoughts begin to build. Releasing these thoughts can feel impossible, especially if you are prone to anxiety. Surrounding yourself with Bible verses about stress is not the only coping mechanism when it comes to navigating stressful scenarios, but scripture can provide comfort and strength during the harder days. These peaceful Bible verses will help you better understand the stressors in your life, as well as remind you that you are not alone.

Isaiah 41:10

“Don’t be afraid, for I Am with you.

Don’t be discouraged, for I Am your God.”

The Good News: God is always with me.

Psalm 119:143

“Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.”

The Good News: Do not fear anxiety and stress that you encounter, for your faith in God will see you through the challenging times.

Psalm 94:19

"When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul."

The Good News: Whether you or someone you know has many things burdening their soul currently, help them and ask God to help them. A prayer or comforting hand will ease their stress, and in the future, they may return the favor during your time of worry.

You can trust that God will be by your side when stressful moments threaten to consume your daily life. That said, if you are struggling with greater mental health issues that are exacerbating the stressors in your life, reach out to a professional to seek help.

RESOURCES

www.work2bewell.org

Mindfulness in the Classroom | Teaching Techniques | Child Mind Institute

https://www.womansday.com/life/inspirational-stories/g28367679/bible-verses-about-stress/

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2023/01/school-board-survey/

You are worth fighting for!

YOUTHLINE-TEENLINE-988

YOUTHLINE: Call, text, or chat. Free, confidential support and help from youth volunteers. Teens are available to help daily from 7 pm-1am EST and 4-10pm PST (adults are available by phone at all other times!).CALL: 877-968-8491, TEXT: teen2teen to 839863,

YouthLine is a free teen-to-teen crisis support and help line. YouthLine is confidential to a point- while we will never share conversations had on the lines, we are mandatory reporters. If a young person is unable to agree to safety for themselves or another person, or if abuse is occurring, YouthLine contacts other agencies to ensure the best support and safety for the young person in crisis.

Teenline: Call, text, or email with us - no matter where you are, who you are, or what you may be feeling, we are here to listen. We also work to support caregivers, schools, and youth organizations. This is a nationwide toll-free number (highly trained teens supervised by adult mental health professionals are available to help daily from 9 pm-1am EST and 6pm-10pm PST . CALL: 800-852-8336, TEXT: TEEN to 839863 (Available from 9pm-12 am EST and 6pm-9pm PST),

988: Are you in crisis, experiencing emotional distress, or worried about someone you know? Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.