Rates of #depression, #anxiety, #suicidalideation and #behavioral crises have risen during the #pandemic. Are #schools equipped for the needs they now face?

Joan King, a #student recovery specialist at Green River College, poses for a portrait at her home in Covington, Wash., on Friday, March 11, 2022.

Even before the #pandemic, the #mentalhealth of young people was a growing concern. By 2018, for instance, #suicide had become the second leading cause of death among people age 10 to 24. And in 2019, according to data from the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention, one in three #highschool #students reported persistent feelings of sadness or #hopelessness.

The #pandemic only made things worse. According to a recent U.S. Surgeon General report, #depression and #anxiety symptoms have doubled among #youth across the world. Emergency room visits in the U.S. for suspected #suicideattempts among #adolescent #girls are up more than 50%. And there is a documented spike in suicides among children of color.

#JamesDonaldson notes:

Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.

Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.

Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,

Celebrating Your Gift of Life:

From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

That #mentalhealth strain appears to be manifesting at #school in a number of ways. Reports of #behavioralissues and violence are rising, student achievement and attendance are flagging and the demand for professional help is overwhelming the systems set up to care for young people. Meanwhile, the #adults tasked with providing support to #students at #school — the guidance #counselors and #teachers — are struggling, too.

For this episode of This Changes Everything, we talk with educators and professionals about what the #pandemic is doing to the #mentalhealth of our #students and #teachers, what is being done to address the need and whether it’s enough. 

#Mentalhealthresources

If you or someone you know needs support for #mentalhealth, here’s where to find help.

#CrisisConnections: Covers #KingCounty and surrounding areas with five programs focused on serving the emotional and physical needs of people across #Washingtonstate. Call 866-427-4747.

Washington 211: Free referral and informational help line that connects people to health and human services, available 24/7. Call 211.

Washington Recovery Helpline: 24-hour crisis intervention and referral assistance for substance abuse, #mentalhealth and gambling. Call 866-789-1511.

#NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline: National network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 800-273-8255.

#NationalAllianceonMentalIllness: The nation’s largest grassroots #mentalhealth organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of #Americans affected by #mentalillness.

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