Mental Health Awareness Month: New Data on Mental Health Crisis

Mental Health Awareness Month

New data reported in March from the CDC highlights the severity of the mental health crisis experienced by youth during the pandemic. High school students were already experiencing an increase in mental health issues before the pandemic. According to this new data, in 2021:

• More than a third (37%) of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year.
• Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth and female youth reported greater levels of poor mental health; emotional abuse by a parent or caregiver; and having attempted suicide than their counterparts.
• Over a third (36%) of students said they experienced racism before or during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CDC survey findings also reveal the important role that schools play in helping students feel cared for, supported, and connected. Students who felt connected to adults and peers at school were significantly less likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness; to have seriously considered suicide; or attempted suicide.

Schools are important partners in supporting student mental health and wellbeing by providing education and services that support both prevention and intervention.

Supporting Student Wellbeing Starts with Awareness and Prevention 

Vector Solutions is helping K-12 leaders address student wellness and school climate with:

• Student mental health and wellness programming
• Suicide and bullying prevention programs
• Staff training and professional development

Vector Solutions has been delivering high quality, expert-authored professional development and prevention resources to millions of K-12 staff and students for nearly 15 years.

Student Programming

Powerful, engaging video-based resources and lessons for students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 equip students with important knowledge and skills to support their mental health and social-emotional wellbeing. Each module features diverse peer presenters and includes educator resources like lesson plans, discussion questions, and activities.

• Alcohol, Marijuana & Vaping
• Bullying & Cyberbullying
• Youth Suicide
• Depression
• Healthy Relationships
• Stress & Anxiety
• Trauma Awareness
• Personal Skills for an Inclusive School
• And More

Staff Training and Professional Development

Expert-authored online training and professional development courses specifically written for K-12 teachers and school staff build awareness and equip them to detect and respond to student mental health issues. Training includes:

• Youth Suicide: Awareness, Prevention and Postvention
• Bullying: Recognition and Response
• Student Mental Health Awareness
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Making Schools Safe & Inclusive for LGBTQ and Transgender Students
• Trauma-Informed Practices
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
• And More

Please download our catalog or request a demo to learn more about our student and staff programs.