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Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools Resources

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A new approach to mental health in universities | Conrad Hogg | TEDxUWA

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This US Department of Education Resource "highlights seven key challenges to providing school- or program-based mental health support across early childhood, K-12 schools, and higher education settings, and presents seven corresponding recommendations. The appendix provides additional useful information, including (a) numerous examples corresponding to the recommendations highlighting implementation efforts throughout the country; (b) a list of federal resource centers; (c) a list of resources to assist educators (teachers, providers, and administrators) in implementing the recommendations; and (d) guidance on existing programs that can support social, emotional and mental health services for students."

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Center on PBIS | Resource: Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Needs

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PDF: This US Department of Education Resource "highlights seven key challenges to providing school- or program-based mental health support across early childhood, K-12 schools, and higher education settings, and presents seven corresponding recommendations.

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Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Needs - National Center for School Safety

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This report from the U.S. Department of Education provides focused information and resources to enhance the promotion of mental health and social and emotional well-being among students.

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5 Steps to Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Framework for Schools and Colleges

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When entering higher education, the sudden change can create challenges at all stages of the student journey. The impact of living away from home, the stress of studying for long hours - whatever the situation, it can have a lasting mental impact on students. In times of difficulty, both students and yourself should receive the support you need.

In this blog, we've outlined student wellbeing resources you and higher education students can refer to for extra support, alongside what they already receive from your institution.

Wellbeing Resources for You

Your higher education institution is already likely to have wellbeing policies and documents which you can refer to and amend as necessary. However, there are many insightful resources for higher education providers available which you can lean on for additional support.

1. Universities UK's Step Change Framework

The Step Change framework features valuable resources which allow higher education providers to work in close partnership with families, schools and employers to prepare students for sudden, big transitions.

The initiative's main message, however, is all about self-improvement. In this framework, you'll find out how universities can adopt mental health as a strategic priority in an institution-wide approach with staff and students involved at all stages.

2. SMaRteN

Funded by UK Research and Innovation and led by King's College London, SMaRteN is a national research network focusing on student mental health in higher education. Their aim is to focus less on the growing demand for counselling and support services but more on the social factors which cause distress among the student population.

With their research, they aim to find out how they can reduce this so fewer students feel the need to access services. By engaging researchers, experts and stakeholders, they aim to improve the understanding of student mental health.

3. Student Minds

Student Minds is a mental health charity which offers a plethora of resources for both students and higher education providers. You'll find plenty of information on approaches to help support students and innovative ways to improve their mental health. The charity has also developed a Mental Health Charter.

It features a set of principles to support universities to make mental health a priority. It forms the basis of the Charter Award Scheme which recognises and rewards universities that demonstrate good practice and promote good mental health.

4. Jisc

Jisc supports educational providers with digital tools and mechanisms to help enrich the learning and teaching experience for your students. One of the main priorities for Jisc is to explore how they can support the higher education sector and make effective use of student analytics to inform decisions about student wellbeing.

One of the projects at Jisc focuses on developing mental health and wellbeing technologies and analytics. It revolves around how technology and data-informed approaches can contribute to promoting positive mental health in higher education. It's also to understand how technology can reduce the burden on frontline staff to develop solutions that can improve wellbeing and address mental health issues.

5. Papyrus and Universities UK

Papyrus and Universities UK - the UK's national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide - are working to help university leaders prevent suicide. The resource includes advice on making communities safe, case studies on approaches to suicide prevention, best practices, intervening in difficult situations and steps to prevent student suicide.

6. What Works Centre for Wellbeing

Another resource to make good use of is the What Works Centre for Wellbeing. Along with establishing the global evidence base of student wellbeing based on research, this resource also includes examples of good practice in regards to student mental health.

7. University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN)

UMHAN is a national UK charity with the largest network of mental health professionals working in education. They also represent advisers who support students experiencing mental health difficulties. You can utilise this resource for support on raising awareness of mental health, improving inclusivity in higher education and much more.

Wellbeing Resources for Students

Along with promoting your institution's support services, there are also other resources you can push for students to view and seek help from.

8. Student Minds

Although it featured in the list earlier, Student Minds is aimed at both providers and students. As the UK's leading mental health charity, students can access a vault of information on the additional support they can receive while they study. This valuable resource includes the opportunity to read blogs, find support and get involved in facilitator initiatives.

9. Disable Students' Allowance (DSA)

If a student suffers from a long-term illness, mental health issue or disability, they can apply for DSA. This resource from the government explains how they can cover some of the extra costs they have such as extra travel, specialist equipment and anything else which makes their student experience a little easier.

For more urgent support, the following resources and services are useful.

10. The Samaritans

The Samaritans are open every day of the year and the service allows students to speak to someone if they're having a difficult time, struggling to cope or are worried about someone else.

11. Rape Crisis Service

The Rape Crisis Service provides specialist support and services to women and girls who have experienced abuse at any time. They also raise awareness and understanding of this issue, improve services and promote the needs of women and girls.

12. Mind

Mind is another useful resource students should know they can access. This charity provides advice and support to empower those who experience mental health problems. They also campaign to improve their services, raise awareness on mental health and also promote understanding so those suffering get both support and respect.

13. Papyrus

Papyrus is another resource which offers helpful guidance to students and higher education providers. For students, it's essential they know Papyrus is somewhere they can receive confidential help and advice for anything related to suicide.

14. The 1752 Group

A UK-based research and lobby organisation, The 1752 Group works to end sexual misconduct in higher education. It draws on expertise from backgrounds in organisational change, student unions, research and more to lead action on staff-to-student sexual misconduct in higher education. The 1752 Group also regularly adds to its list of resources for you to refer to.

Students knowing they have wellbeing services available to them can create a better student experience. It's also your priority to focus on student happiness and wellbeing so to help with that, we've created a guide on improving the student experience in higher education.

Improve Student Experience in Your Institution With Our Guide

In the guide, we've spoken to experts who have offered their guidance on the current landscape of student experience. We've also outlined some tips on enhancing the student experience strategy with a focus on wellbeing, attainment, retention and more.

To get your free copy, click on the link below.

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14 Essential Student Wellbeing Resources You Should Be Using

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To overcome challenges and offer a better student experience, here are student wellbeing resources you can refer to

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In today's competitive academic environment, being a student can be stressful. But managing the many responsibilities of school while struggling with a mental health issue can be even more challenging. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 1 in 5 adults in the United States are diagnosed with some form of mental illness. Yet the stigma attached to mental illness prevents many from seeking the appropriate treatment, raising the need for increased awareness about mental health resources for students.

Common Mental Health Issues and Resources for Students

The following are several common mental health issues that students face along with some helpful resources.

Depression

An estimated 300 million people are affected by depression globally. This condition is commonly characterized by sadness, a loss of interest and enjoyment in everyday activities, feelings of low self-worth, and poor concentration, among other symptoms. Depression is often recurrent or chronic and can manifest through physical stress on the body in various ways.
Key Facts About Mental Disorders Rising Teen Depression Depression in Children Ages 6-12 What to Know About Childhood Depression Tips for Parents on Coping with a Child's Depression Diagnosis
Anxiety

While there are many types and manifestations of anxiety, the most commonly diagnosed condition is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD experience excessive worry and stress on more days than not for a period of at least six months. The anxiety can occur in relation to a variety of activities or events, and even simply in anticipation of situations. Common symptoms are physical discomfort, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and trouble sleeping.
Childhood Anxiety Treating Anxiety in Children 6 Types of Anxiety in Children What Signs of Childhood Anxiety Should Parents Look For? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
Panic Disorder

Students with panic disorder are most commonly affected by periodic apprehension or panic attacks, which can present in a variety of ways in the body. The disorder affects about 6 million adults, or 2.7% of the U.S. population, and is twice as likely to affect women as men. Panic disorder can cause students to avoid social situations, as well as other situations (school, work, public speaking, romantic relationships), for fear of having attacks.
Panic Attacks In Children: Types, Symptoms, And Remedies Home Management Strategies for Panic Disorder Effect of Childhood Trauma and Panic Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD can manifest in obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts that dominate the mind; they often originate in the mind and are not caused by an external situation. A compulsion is the inability to resist doing something. OCD affects 2.2 million adults, or 1% of the U.S. population, and typically begins at a young age.
4 Things Parents Get Wrong About OCD (Podcast) Guide to Helping Your Child with OCD (PDF) Childhood OCD: The Invisible Disorder How OCD Differs in Children and Adults Childhood Moral OCD
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 3.5% of the U.S. population. People exposed to various situations are at risk for PTSD, including survivors of: childhood sexual and emotional abuse; war, violence, and torture; and accidents and disasters. It can commonly affect people who have experienced life-threatening illnesses and traumatic childbirth, as well as members of the military and first responders.
Psychotherapies and PTSD PTSD in Ages 6 and Under PTSD from Domestic Violence and Childhood Abuse PTSD and Suicidal Tendencies in Kids
Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) causes significant fear in social situations, which often results in distress and the inability to function. SAD is often associated with a fear of being embarrassed or judged by peers and various insecurities. Typically, SAD begins during adolescence and often goes untreated because it isn't as widely recognized as other common psychological disabilities.
How to Help Kids with Social Anxiety Social Anxiety at Preschool Age Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder Parenting with Social Anxiety
Phobias

A phobia is defined as an extreme and persistent fear of a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger or threat. Phobias affect nearly 10% of the U.S. population, and typically symptoms begin during childhood. Phobias can be related to a variety of real and theoretical situations but are usually grouped into several subtypes, including animal, natural environment, and situational.
Specific Phobias Age-by-Age Guide to Phobias for Kids The Ultimate List of Phobias and Fears Normal Childhood Fears
Bipolar Disorder

People affected by bipolar disorder experience periods of mania and depression. When manic, they may feel anxious, possibly more capable of achieving realistic or unrealistic things, or a decreased need to sleep. When depressed, they experience typical symptoms of depression but may experience it at a level that affects their personal and professional relationships and responsibilities in a more serious way. Bipolar disorder causes extreme swings between these moods or states of being.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Early Onset Bipolar FAQ Reducing the Stigma of Bipolar Disorder
Substance Abuse Disorder

Substance abuse disorder is characterized as a disease that causes an individual to become unable to control their use of drugs or alcohol, despite it making them sick or causing them harm. People develop a tolerance to drugs and alcohol when under the frequent influence of them and begin using higher doses or amounts of it to feel well.
Drug Adduction (substance use disorder) The 10 Most Common Signs of Drug Use and Addiction Treatments for Substance Abuse Disorders
Hotlines for Students in Need

Identifying the Root Cause to Help Create Effective Solutions.

Many students often struggle with social and emotional issues during their coming-of-age years, as well as into adulthood. Although some instances may be attributed to heredity and genes, many others are caused by external factors that serve to compound and worsen the fragility of individuals whose emotional well-being may already be compromised.

Identifying some of these pressure points can help families, educators, and mental health professionals approach their treatment options from a mindful perspective. Many of these agitators include:

Bullying (both online and real-world)

Weight concerns

Sexual assault or intimidation

Physical/emotional abuse

COVID-19 isolation

Racial injustice and profiling

Gender dysphoria

Peer pressure

For those looking to provide frontline treatment to individuals most in need, Maryville University offers an online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Under the guidance of expert faculty, students learn ways to provide effective treatment that considers each patient's unique history, addresses their current needs, and provides long-term solutions for their overall health and well-being.

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Mental Health Resources for Students and Educators | Maryville Online

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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 1 in 6 people in the United States are diagnosed with some form of mental illness. While awareness about mental illness continues to rise, society has a long way to go to reduce the stigma, requiring increased resources for student mental health.

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The building blocks of good mental wellbeing

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Teachers and education staff can create healthy habits and a lifestyle that supports your mental wellbeing through a few simple steps taken at your own pace.

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Improving wellbeing and resilience is vital for students to stay mentally healthy. Use ReachOut Schools' resources to support your students wellbeing.

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Mental
Physical
Conitive development
Academic Development
Identity Development
Social  emotional Development
Mental health

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https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/mental-health/prevention-and-wellness-promotion/supporting-childrens-mental-health-tips-for-parents-and-educators

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National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

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Create a sense of belonging. Feeling connected and welcomed is essential to children's positive adjustment, self-identification, and sense of trust in others and themselves. Building strong, positive relationships among students, school staff, and parents is important to promoting mental wellness.

Promote resilience. Adversity is a natural part of life and being resilient is important to overcoming challenges and good mental health. Connectedness, competency, helping others, and successfully facing difficult situations can foster resilience.

Develop competencies.Children need to know that they can overcome challenges and accomplish goals through their actions.Achieving academic success and developing individual talents and interests helps children feel competent and more able to deal with stress positively. Social competency is also important. Having friends and staying connected to friends and loved ones can enhance mental wellness.

Ensure a positive, safe school environment. Feeling safe is critical to students' learning and mental health. Promote positive behaviors such as respect, responsibility, and kindness. Prevent negative behaviors such as bullying and harassment. Provide easily understood rules of conduct and fair discipline practices and ensure an adult presence in common areas, such as hallways, cafeterias, locker rooms, and playgrounds. Teach children to work together to stand up to a bully, encourage them to reach out to lonely or excluded peers, celebrate acts of kindness, and reinforce the availability of adult support.

Teach and reinforce positive behaviors and decision making. Provide consistent expectations and support. Teaching children social skills, problem solving, and conflict resolution supports good mental health. "Catch" them being successful. Positive feedback validates and reinforces behaviors or accomplishments that are valued by others.

Encourage helping others. Children need to know that they can make a difference. Pro-social behaviors build self-esteem, foster connectedness, reinforce personal responsibility, and present opportunities for positive recognition. Helping others and getting involved in reinforces being part of the community.

Encourage good physical health. Good physical health supports good mental health. Healthy eating habits, regular exercise and adequate sleep protect kids against the stress of tough situations. Regular exercise also decreases negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, and depression.

Educate staff parents and students on symptoms of and help for mental health problems. Information helps break down the stigma surrounding mental health and enables adults and students recognize when to seek help. School mental health professionals can provide useful information on symptoms of problems like depression or suicide risk. These can include a change in habits, withdrawal, decreased social and academic functioning, erratic or changed behavior, and increased physical complaints.

Ensure access to school-based mental health supports. School psychologists, counselors, and social workers can provide a continuum of mental health services for students ranging from universal mental wellness promotion and behavior supports to staff and parent training, identification and assessment, early interventions, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and referral for community services.

Provide a continuum of mental health services.School mental health services are part of a continuum of mental health care for children and youth. Build relationships with community mental health resources. Be able to provide names and numbers to parents.

Establish a crisis response team. Being prepared to respond to a crisis is important to safeguarding students' physical and mental well-being. School crisis teams should include relevant administrators, security personnel and mental health professionals who collaborate with community resources. In addition to safety, the team provides mental health prevention, intervention, and postvention services.

© 2017, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-657-0270, www.nasponline.org

Contributor: Katherine C. Cowan

Please cite this document as:

National Association of School Psychologists. (2017). Supporting children's mental health: Tips for parents and educators [Handout]. Bethesda, MD: Author.

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Supporting Children's Mental Health: Tips for Parents and Educators

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Create a sense of belonging. Feeling connected and welcomed is essential to children's positive adjustment, self-identification, and sense of trust in others and themselves. Building strong, positive relationships among students, school staff, and parents is important to promoting mental wellness. Promote resilience.

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Mental health conditions rising in kids and adolescents, report shows

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https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2021/02/24/educators-are-key-in-protecting-student-mental-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

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Educators are key in protecting student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Focused, meaningful interactions matter greatly.

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Improving wellbeing and resilience is vital for students to stay mentally healthy. Use ReachOut Schools' resources to support your students wellbeing.

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Schools also play a role in creating a positive community that enhances a sense of connection and belonging in students. Using a whole school approach, schools can develop a safe and inclusive school environment and promote student mental health and wellbeing. This is best achieved by working in partnership with all members of the school community.

Schools can support students to develop:

social and emotional skills and capabilities that promote life-long mental health and wellbeing

skills to problem-solve and manage the normal stressors of life

healthy relationships and the ability to work cooperatively with others

a sense of autonomy and purpose.

The Schools Mental Health Menu is a list of endorsed programs, staff and resources across 3 tiers of support.

Tier 1 activities form a foundation for Tier 2 and Tier 3. Together, the tiers form layers of support for students. Tier 1 supports remain in place, and schools can add extra supports from Tier 2 and Tier 3 when greater needs are identified.

Tier 1: Universal interventions

Tier 1 Universal interventions help schools to create a positive, inclusive and supportive school climate, building the preconditions for optimal student learning, development and wellbeing. They are the initiatives and programs schools adopt that are good for all students.

Activities can be implemented at a school, year, or classroom level. They are usually delivered by school staff. Community organisations or agencies may be employed to deliver some activities.

Programs include:

adopting a whole school approach to mental health

social and emotional learning

wellbeing animal programs

eating disorders supports

alcohol and drug education

mental health literacy

bullying prevention

local community lead mental health intervention

peer support.

The Schools Mental Health Menu provides a comprehensive information about tier 1 activities (as well as tiers 2 and 3) available to schools.

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School's role in Tier 1 promoting mental health and wellbeing | Victorian Government

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Schools also play a role in creating a positive community that enhances a sense of connection and belonging in students. Using a whole school approach, schools can develop a safe and inclusive school environment and promote student mental health and wellbeing. This is best achieved by working in partnership with all members of the school community.

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Mental Health Foundation | Good mental health for all

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Explore information to help you understand mental health and get advice on how you look after your own mental health or support someone you know with theirs.

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Positive Education & Student Wellbeing - Student Wellbeing

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Student Wellbeing offer a range of products and resources for Primary and Secondary students and teachers to support Positive Education and Student Wellbeing.