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Current Status of Mental Health in Schools
Almost more than half of students report struggling with their mental health at one point or another. This may include stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. Mental health problems affect several areas of student lives. It can reduce emotional wellness, cause a decline in grades, strain relationships, and even affect physical health. The long-term consequences are also high for students, potentially impacting their future & success in adulthood. Schools may also feel the burden if their students are struggling with mental health difficulties. Learning may be prohibited, or higher rates of student fights/conflicts may occur. Some of the most common mental health problems students report include:- Depression: 14%
- Anxiety: 22%
- Sleep disorders: 20%
- Stress: 30%
How Can We Support Students With Their Mental Health?
It’s important for students to feel supported in all areas of their lives: home, school & the community. Adults should prioritize that the needs of teens are essential for development and the next generation of students will someday be the future of adults.As Schools
Schools are one of the first places where teens can get evaluated for their mental health. Every district should be guaranteed a guidance counselor to focus on supporting the mental health of students. Teachers should be trained to recognize the signs of mental health problems in their students. Early identification can significantly increase the outcome of successful treatment. Social-emotional learning programs could be implemented to help teens understand how their thoughts & feelings influence their behavior. By strengthening the overall school culture, students may feel more heard, accepted, and understood. This could include:- Training students and staff in harm prevention
- Having events that promote mental health awareness
- Talking about mental health with students & families
- Enforce a positive, inclusive, and community-oriented environment
As Communities
Community leaders must take effective steps to offer students support outside of school. Providing teens with more spaces in the community can help promote social connection. The community needs to support teens outside of the home & classroom. At-risk teens are often isolated from their community. This can increase self-destructive behaviors. Community interventions provide at-risk teens with activities for personal growth and self-development. These can include mental health events, teen support groups, or peer mentoring.As Parents
It’s understandable for parents to want their teens to thrive in school and life, but staying mindful of the effects of too much pressure can greatly support their mental health. Parents can provide their teens with validation, non-judgemental support, and resources to succeed in school. It’s important to ask your teen what success looks like to them. For some students, success may be going to college and getting a high-status job. Others may have a different path such as engaging in their passion or travel. Parents should motivate their teens to try their best and enjoy the process while doing it. By taking some of the load off students, you may see their performance naturally increase. Teach your teen that it’s okay to fail, and it can be used as an experience to learn & grow. Parents can set certain expectations for their teens, such as setting up a routine where phones are turned off and time is carved out for learning. Parents should try their best to stay active in their child’s academics. This can include helping them with homework, creating flashcards, playing educational games, or helping them study for exams.Professional Help Available in Texas
If you identify warning signs of a mental health problem in your teen or student, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment. At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understand the complex nature of teenage mental health disorders. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.Sources
Mental Health of Adolescents. 2024. World Health Organization. The Research on Risk Factors for Adolescents’ Mental Health. 2024. National Library of Medicine. The impact of Covid-19 on student achievement: Evidence from a recent meta-analysis. 2023. National Library of Medicine.
Founder & CEO
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
