Blogs “988,” the mental health crisis line introduced in 2021, is saving lives! The line provides guidance and anonymity for those in crisis. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a helpline for those seeking mental health resources.
In this Instagram post, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) describes the 74% increase in calls since the introduction of “988”:
How we care for those managing mental illness is a reflection of our society’s values, education, and compassion. To support mental health in schools, we’ve gathered a variety of practical resources designed for both students and teachers. These materials are ready to use and easy to implement, helping foster a nurturing environment where mental health can thrive. You can also access all of Teaching Channel’s free mental health resources on the K12 Hub.
- “Understanding Your Mind” is a free, downloadable questionnaire designed for students to identify and express their feelings. For teachers, it serves as a tool to better understand and measure our students’ emotions.
- “Unlocking Creativity and Collaboration with Padlet in the Classroom,” explains how it can be used anonymously with the appropriate settings. Imagine relying on Padlet as a place where students can share struggles and strategies about mental health in a private, safe space. Padlet can be that place.
- We took the guesswork out of finding mental health podcasts that are worth your time and attention! Our Top Mental Health Podcasts (and why we like them) lists magnificent mental health podcasts for both students and teachers.
- “Building a School Mental Health Program,” includes the 10 steps needed to build a strong plan including: assessing your school’s needs, creating a clear vision, starting small and being flexible, and more. Review the resource to see how you can get started!
A New Mental Health Course from Teaching Channel
Beyond our K12 Hub, we offer mental health courses for teachers, too! Our newest course, 5424: Empowering Educators to Support Student Mental Health includes strategies teachers can use in the classroom, and for themselves.
Whether you are a teacher, counselor, or other professional working in the education space, course 5424 will expand your knowledge about strategies to support students who manage mental illness and increase your understanding of the signs and symptoms. Equip yourself with the skills to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment so you can make a positive impact on the mental health of students, and yourselves!
About the Author
Susanne Leslie is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Master’s in Education. As a parent educator, Susanne’s specialty is Culture and Early Childhood instruction. In her current role, she writes courses and content.
Fun Fact: Susanne has jumped out of two (perfectly good) airplanes!
