Resources Empowering Educators to Talk to Students About Mental Health

 

From the Discovery Education Blog

By Jodi Doster, Science and Art Teacher, Bristol Bay Borough School District (Complete post here)

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, schools have adapted instruction to meet the challenge of continuing students’ education. As the pandemic continues, special attention needs to be paid to students’ mental health.

For some students, stress levels may be higher than normal, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression may also become worse. The statistics are concerning: The Centers for Disease Control reports that in the period from March 2020 to October 2020 the proportion of mental-health-related emergency room visits increased 24% for kids ages 5-11 and 31% for kids ages 12-17 compared to the previous year. While educators continue to do the essential work of teaching the world’s future leaders, there is a clear need for resources and support around mental health – and how to protect it.

The good news? There are resources available that are specifically designed to support mental wellness-focused teaching and learning. CVS Health and Discovery Education partnered to create Dose of Knowledge, an educational program empowering teachers to help students make good decisions for the health and well-being of themselves and their community.