Mental Health Blog

The Adults Are the Safety Net

Every September, two observances arrive together: Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month. And every September, they arrive at exactly the moment when millions of students walk back into school buildings, back into the one place in American life where caring adults see young people every single day.

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September 19, 2025

The start of a new school year brings a blend of excitement and stress, especially for students who are prone to anxiety. Parents, educators, and school leaders all play vital roles in helping to smooth this transition, and all can contribute to a student’s sense of safety and confidence in the classroom environment. Addressing anxiety in teens requires a multifaceted approach.

September 5, 2025

The connection between learning and student well-being has never been clearer. As the new school year begins, school leaders are increasingly aware that academic success is tied directly to the state of a student’s mental health. Utilizing a comprehensive mental health checklist is one of the most effective ways to monitor and support both students and staff members, fostering a positive school environment.

July 17, 2025

The need for teachers to manage disruptive behaviors in the classroom is certainly nothing new. Since the pandemic, however, educators have been reporting significant increases in aggressive, disrespectful, and inappropriate behavior and a decline in students’ social-emotional development. Furthermore, unwanted behaviors are no longer limited to small segments of students or specific schools but rather are being widely reported by districts across the country.

July 3, 2025

School-based mental health services had become increasingly popular in the decades prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the explosion of distress levels coupled with the influx of pandemic-related funding opportunities led to an even greater presence of mental health services in school settings. As schools and society at large continue to adapt to a new normal, it may be a good time to step back and reassess the scope and effectiveness of school-based programs.

June 10, 2025

School refusal behavior (also known as school avoidance), on the other hand, is largely an anxiety-based condition. It is not a psychiatric diagnosis per se, but rather it is a complex syndrome influenced by temperament, genetics, cognitive factors, plus family and school environments. It affects both boys and girls and can involve an unwillingness to attend school at all, and/or an inability to remain in school for the entire day.

May 13, 2025

Moods shift when May approaches, as rigid schedules filled with alarm clocks, bells and packed agendas are finally coming to an end. To ensure a safe, supportive and mentally healthy season, schools and families should work together to establish a summer safety plan for students that continues to provide much-needed structure and resources for families to promote a sense of wellbeing and stability for the student.
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