Mental Health Matters
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Tens of millions of Americans live with a mental health condition, and approximately one in every four to five teenagers will meet the criteria for a mental disorder with severe impairment at some point in their lifetime. Mental health issues among school-age children have been on the rise, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges. Moreover, mental health intersects with other forms of social and economic inequality, as children from low-income households, youth of color, students with a disability, and non-binary and transgender youth all experience much higher rates of serious mental health issues.
In particular, I have personally grappled with the mental health challenges of several of my own children. My oldest child (now 16) has struggled with mental health issues that were greatly exacerbated by social distracting restrictions and extended remote learning during the pandemic. And my youngest son (now 10) has been diagnosed with significant mental health issues, including autism spectrum disorder, due to a genetic condition and a history of trauma from his time in the foster care system prior to his adoption.
As a candidate for the at-large seat on the Albemarle County School Board, I believe that mental health should be at the forefront of our educational system. Our students' well-being is just as important as their academic success. That is why I am committed to prioritizing mental health awareness and support in our public schools. Students can’t learn and teachers can’t teach if they aren’t well. ACPS schools must have the resources, staffing, and programs necessary to effectively address the mental health challenges they face. As a solutions-oriented candidate, I have several ideas to help address the mental health crisis in our schools.
First and foremost, we must work to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. By promoting open and honest conversations about mental health, we can help break down barriers and foster a culture of understanding and acceptance. This includes providing education and resources to students, parents, and educators to increase awareness and reduce misconceptions surrounding mental health.
We also need to ensure that our schools have adequate mental health resources and support systems in place. This includes hiring and training more mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychologists, and social workers, who can provide timely and appropriate support to students. In particular, I strongly support allocating adequate funding to ensure that every ACPS school meets or exceeds the recommended 250:1 ratio of students to counselors. This includes filling all the currently-open positions for school counselor and social-emotional learning coaches in our elementary, middle, and high schools.
Moreover, we must continue to integrate mental health education into our school curriculum. By teaching students about mental health, coping strategies, and self-care, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to prioritize their well-being. This education should encompass topics such as stress management, resilience, healthy relationships, and recognizing signs of mental distress in oneself and others. I am a strong supporter of social-emotional learning, which helps support the whole child by helping our students develop social skills and helps them feel connected, empowered, and safe so they can learn, grow, and thrive.
In sum, mental health awareness and support must be a priority at ACPS. By reducing the stigma of mental health, increasing mental health-related resources, and integrating mental health education into our curriculum, we can create an environment that promotes the well-being of our students, teachers, and staff. As a School Board member, I will fight to ensure that our schools are safe, inclusive spaces where all students can thrive both academically and emotionally. #AllInForPublicSchools #AllInForKids #AllInforMentalHealth
