30-March-2025

The Kids Are Not All Right: I found an article online which backs up my ongoing research about mental health policies not being adequately addressed in schools. Even after shifting back to our regular every-day life following the COVID pandemic, many students still struggle with mental health issues. Many external factors fuel our mental health struggles, some of the biggest being economic issues at home and societal expectations. What’s worse is that not everyone who is struggling with these daily challenges has access to proper treatment. According to the National Education Association (NEA), 60% of teens with depression did not get treatment in the past year. While many areas feel they have “bigger” problems to worry about than students’ mental health, some places are looking to fix the broken pieces. “In West Ottawa, the local union is making sure students get what they need. That includes using local property tax revenues to hire 10 additional mental wellness coaches throughout the district and using federal pandemic relief funds to hire 16 additional interventionists” (NEA). Additionally, Biden has enforced a pandemic relief plan, which has “made the largest-ever, single investment in public schools. Now educators are making sure that money is used for the counselors, social workers, school psychologists, behavioral coaches, etc., that students need to be successful” (NEA). Some are even protesting in order to introduce the changes we need. “In Minneapolis, educators went on strike this spring for more than two weeks, finally settling a deal that doubles the number of nurses and counselors in elementary schools and provides a social worker in every school” (NEA). Another large group of people mentally suffering is the LGBTQ+ community. While not 100% socially accepted, these days it’s relatively easy to find someone of the pride community wherever you go. Many people, especially in the US, have normalized being part of this community. However, a number of people in multiple countries aren’t huge fans, and they make sure their opinion is known to these members. According to a large study done by the Trevor Project, “Nearly half of young LGBTQ+ people have considered ending their lives in the past 12 months” (NEA). Florida High School Teacher Michael Woods is concerned about the issue, since his area is quite conservative and has many “anti-gay” followers. “I tell the kids, I’m always here for you. I’m always a safe space for you. I’m not giving up on you, and you shouldn’t give up on yourself,” he says. “When young people don’t feel like they have anywhere to turn or anyone to talk to … well, I know why the stats are the way they are” (Woods). While there are many in need out there, it’s good we’re getting started somewhere in helping those struggling. A little hand can go a long way.