When school health curriculum fails to address behavioral health, it further contributes to the feeling that a student’s mental health is not as important as their physical health. This article looks at new legislation proposals that would require mental health to be included in the larger health curriculum. This is vital in reducing stigma for students who wish to discuss their emotional well-being or seek treatment, and ensuring that they have a right to health without restrictions or shame.
Mental Health Days in Schools
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 15-34 in the state of Maryland. In Maryland and across the nation, stigma around behavioral health has left many school policies lacking in how students are able to handle their emotional needs. This article from NPR highlights a proposed solution in Oregon extending excused absences for students that need to take sick days for mental health. Click the title for the full article from NPR.
Missouri Has 23% Of Its Foster Kids On Strong Psychoactive Drugs. A Lawsuit Claims The State Isn’t Keeping Records
Buzzfeed news takes an in-depth look into the Missouri foster care system’s failures to provide well-managed psychiatric care to children within the system. The article states that “this mirrors a national trend: Children in foster care are at least twice as likely to be taking these powerful drugs than kids outside the system, according to an analysis of Medicaid data.” While many explanations are provided, the double stigma of trauma and behavioral health plays a major factor in these human rights violations.
Personal Story: Maria, Social Anxiety
Dads Can Get Depression During and After Pregnancy, Too
“Depression in dads is, in fact, a relatively common phenomenon―affecting anywhere between 2% and 25% of them during their partner's pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), this rate can increase to 50% when the mother also has perinatal/postpartum depression. And it can take a serious toll on the family's wellbeing, specifically their children's.” Check out the full article from HealthyChildren.org for the full article including risk factors, symptoms, screening, and information on getting help.
How Intergenerational Connections Benefit Both Old & Young
Celebrity Advocates: Does Being Famous Help Fight Stigma?
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Schools play a powerful role in fighting distorted perceptions around mental health and addiction! The Child Mind Institute reports that school based anti-stigma programs not only improve mental health attitudes by 68%, but that these positive attitudes actually increase treatment-seeking behavior in adolescents.
How pupil power makes schools more open about mental health issues
“With one in 10 children between the ages of five and 16 dealing with diagnosable mental health issues, it’s not enough to simply educate teachers. Students also need to be empowered on the issues and take the lead in helping build a safe and open environment for discussion of mental health in schools.”