California Department of Health Care Access and Information’s Post

Investing in sustainable programs for supporting mental health in schools is worth our money and time and care. Kids are worth it. Families are worth it. Educators are worth it. #mentalhealthmatters

School Avoidance - Should we be worried or should we be curious? The rise in kids avoiding school and activities post-Covid can be concerning, often associated with increased anxiety and depression among youth. Advocates, parents, educators, and specialists are collaborating to address this rising issue effectively. The transition to at least some remote learning, reflecting changes in the post-pandemic workplace, is causing students to feel overwhelmed, akin to employee burnout. Many surmise that social media criticism and exclusion are exacerbating youth's fears, leading to a shift towards aligning public schools with private institutions. Developing tools to promote school attendance and fostering a supportive environment are vital in tackling this multifaceted challenge. Prioritizing mental health support is crucial, with the younger generation seeking assistance. While this trend warrants concern, it also offers insight into a changing generation that values wellbeing. Want to discuss how to meaningfully accommodate a young person's mental health needs? DM for a conversation :). #mentalhealth #remotelearning #youthwellness #accommodations

Educating youth on mental health using evidence-based #mentalhealthliteracy (MHL) supports student well-being and offers them the foundational knowledge they need to make health-promoting decisions. When thinking about how to address the #youthmentalhealth crisis, we must include MHL education in schools. MHL includes 4 components: 👉 Understanding how to foster positive mental health 👉Understanding common disorders and their treatments 👉Understanding stigma and stigma-reduction strategies 👉Understanding how to seek help effectively We can't treat our way out of this crisis. We need upstream solutions. #schoolmentalhealth #upstream #themhlc

"What we need to do is look at our staff first of all, because we need our staff to be steady, regulated, and to be present so that they can support our children to do this as well." Improving staff wellbeing goes hand in hand with enhancing pupil wellbeing and can positively influence the retention and recruitment of valuable team members. In our Thrive in Action webinar, 'How to nurture mental health and wellbeing for pupils with SEN in MATs and dioceses', Jo Warner, Assistant Director of Education for the Diocese of Durham and Newcastle, shared the strategies her organisation use to improve the wellbeing of staff. Here are some of her key takeaways: 💡Create a culture where everybody is truly and authentically valued for what they bring. 💡Introduce mental health first aiders who can offer timely support to teams and signpost staff to resources and external agencies. 💡Establish networks so people can come together from different schools to share experiences, celebrate their work and support with challenges. 💡Communication is key to good mental health; make time for staff to talk. Little and often is most effective. Thrive's 'Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Schools' short course is the ideal starting point for improved mental health, providing staff with the tools to take back control of their wellbeing, recognise and respond when they're struggling, and learn methods for managing stress. Book this course for your next INSET day and equip every member of your team to be mentally healthy: https://lnkd.in/enMu-T4s #StaffWellbeing #TeacherRetention #SeniorLeadership #INSETDay #CPD #MentalHealthinSchool

☀️ This fall, Life I Love School is partnering with the Oakland Unified School District to bring our Wellness Programs to life, empowering a new generation of wellness ambassadors to support the mental well-being of our communities. In recent years, the mental health crisis among Black and Brown girls has become hard to ignore. With suicide rates rising at an alarming pace, a report by PEW Trusts highlights the urgent need to address the barriers to mental health care for Black adolescents. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the problem, Black girls are often misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed, leading to untreated mental health issues that can have devastating consequences. This is where Life I Love (LiL) School’s Wellness Programs come in. We understand that mental health care must be culturally responsive, reflecting the lived experiences of the Black and Brown girls we serve. Our programs empower girls with the tools to manage stress, recognize their emotions, and take ownership of their mental well-being in an environment that truly sees and validates them. One critical issue is the cultural mismatch in mental health diagnosis. Black girls often exhibit externalizing behaviors like anger or irritability, which are misinterpreted by professionals lacking cultural competency. As a result, many are misdiagnosed with behavioral disorders instead of receiving the help they need for depression or anxiety. LiL School’s Wellness Programs are designed to make a difference by: 1️⃣ Equipping girls with stress management tools: Teaching mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-awareness to manage stress effectively. 2️⃣ Providing a safe and supportive space: Creating environments where Black and Brown girls can express vulnerability and connect with peers who understand their experiences. 3️⃣ Emphasizing early intervention: Offering mental health education and support early on to prevent more severe issues down the line. 4️⃣ Fostering community and empowerment: Building strong, supportive relationships and fostering a sense of belonging and resilience through group activities and discussions. The rise in suicide rates among Black and Brown girls is a call to action. Cultural competency in mental health care isn’t just ideal—it’s essential. At LiL School, we’re committed to bridging the gap in care, ensuring that these girls are seen, heard, and supported on their mental health journeys. Together, we can make a difference. Read the full blog post: https://lnkd.in/gY96gJjw #mentalhealth #lifeiloveschool #wellnessprograms #culturalcompetency

The Mental Health Literacy Collaborative is focused on making MHL foundational in PK-12 schools and communities. ✨ Students and their trusted adults deserve to understand their mental health alongside other aspects of their health. ✨ With knowledge, we make better decisions for ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. #themhlc #schoolmentalhealth #healthliteracy #mentalhealthliteracy

This factsheet from Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Program outlines a socio-ecological approach to promote wellness among educators which includes: 1️⃣ Self-care 2️⃣ Support from and supporting others 3️⃣ Supportive environments #MentalHealth #TeacherWellbeing #teachers https://lnkd.in/g4umqpCN

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Yesterday, I had an encouraging conversation with a manager about the importance of mental health educational programs. He acknowledged that while implementing these programs and making necessary changes to address workplace mental health can take time, we often wait until it’s too late before taking action, similar to workplace accidents. Contact us to learn more about joining and becoming a Walt's Waltz Stigma-Free Environment. Early intervention significantly improves the quality of life for your employees, leading to increased productivity. While encouraging employees to seek help and sharing resources like EAP services is important, it’s crucial to demonstrate that your organization stands with those facing mental health challenges, viewing mental health as equal to physical health. This supportive stance makes employees more likely to seek the help they need. Understanding mental health conditions is key to fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing the overall health of your business. One effective way to start is by training Ambassadors in Adult Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA). This course, typically $175, is being offered free of charge to those in the Midlands and Upstate of SC, thanks to our presenter, her SAMHSA Grant, and PRISMA Health. Attendees will receive a manual, a 3-year AMHFA certification, and 7.5 hours of professional development or continuing education credits. Walt’s Waltz serves as both a compass and a megaphone for mental health support, education, and change. Sometimes, even with programs in place, unimaginable things happen. But there’s nothing worse than not trying. #mentalhealthfirstaid #AMHFA #MHFA #MIDLANDS. #Upstate #suicide #positiveculture #funding Susan Fischer Crooks Maya Ward David Trone Julie Burke Cary Mobley Rick Erwin Jess Bayne DeAsia Danladi Dr Debbie Joffe Ellis

💚 It’s World Mental Health Day  Wellness is more than just a buzzword for PEDC—it’s a *foundation for advocacy*. In our recent Back-to-School message, we emphasized the importance of prioritizing your own well-being to better support our students and communities. And at our latest SEPA regional meeting, participants discussed how strong wellness practices help drive our efforts to support and diversify Pennsylvania’s teaching workforce. Whether you’re an educator, advocate, or community leader, taking care of yourself isn’t a distraction from the work—it’s essential to it. By prioritizing our own well-being, we can better support families, promote inclusivity, and create lasting change for our students. 💪🏽💫  Let’s build a culture of resilience, connection, and support as we work toward a brighter, more equitable future. 💚  Start by answering the following question: What did you get right today? #WorldMentalHealthDay #EducatorWellbeing #EducationEquity #PAEducation #SelfCareForAdvocacy #MentalHealthMatters #TeacherDiversity 

Empowering Gen Z: Prioritizing Mental Well-being In today's rapidly evolving world, the mental health of our younger generation, particularly Gen Z, stands as a paramount concern. With an array of challenges ranging from academic pressures to the ubiquitous influence of social media, it's imperative to acknowledge the significance of mental well-being and foster a culture of support and empowerment. The landscape of mental health is shifting, with conversations around it becoming more prevalent and destigmatized. As advocates for positive change, it's our collective responsibility to ensure that Gen Z feels not only heard but also supported in their journey towards mental wellness. One of the fundamental steps towards empowerment is education. By providing comprehensive mental health education in schools and communities, we equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize, understand, and address their mental health needs. This proactive approach not only promotes early intervention but also fosters a culture of self-awareness and resilience. Moreover, accessibility to mental health resources is crucial. Whether it's affordable counseling services, support hotlines, or online platforms, we must ensure that Gen Z has access to a range of avenues through which they can seek help and support. By breaking down barriers to access, we can bridge the gap between those in need and the resources available to them. However, perhaps the most transformative aspect of empowering Gen Z is fostering a culture of open dialogue and support. By encouraging conversations about mental health, we dismantle the stigma surrounding it and create an environment where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and seek assistance without fear of judgment or discrimination. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let us reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing the mental well-being of Gen Z. By investing in education, accessibility, and a culture of support, we not only empower individuals to lead happier and healthier lives but also pave the way for a more compassionate and understanding society. Together, let's continue to champion the cause of mental health empowerment and ensure that Gen Z knows they are not alone in their journey towards wellness. #MentalHealthAwareness #GenZEmpowerment #YouthWellbeing #SupportingYouth #Empowerment