Last week, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a new law that requires mental health screenings for students in public schools. Starting in third grade, students will need to be checked at least once a year. However, the specifics of these screenings haven’t been detailed.
Tony Sanders, the Illinois State Superintendent of Education, emphasizes that mental health is crucial for students’ academic success. He believes that catching issues early can help students thrive. But some experts are skeptical. They worry that these screenings might not help as intended and could even have negative effects.
For instance, an Australian study with 1,000 teenagers found that those who participated in a type of group therapy reported feeling worse afterward. Instead of improving their mental health, the therapy led to more anxiety and strained relationships with their parents. Writer Olga Khazan noted that the therapy group ended up with a lower quality of life compared to those who received standard health education.
Khazan also suggests that trusting teenagers to recognize when they need help may be more effective than pushing them to discuss their feelings. Making treatment available, but not compulsory, could be better for their mental health.
We don’t yet know how Illinois’ screenings will work. But, as the Australian study hints, asking kids to dwell on negative emotions might not be the best approach. If the state doesn’t connect these screenings to meaningful mental health support, they might not achieve their goal.
In recent years, American culture has become heavily focused on mental health awareness. Efforts to encourage people to seek help have flooded social media and mainstream culture. While these campaigns aim to reduce stigma, they’ve also created a culture where everyone is acutely aware of mental illness, particularly among teens.
Despite this growing awareness, happiness levels don’t seem to be improving. In fact, the suicide rate among adolescents has increased, along with emergency room visits for self-harm. A 2022 survey showed that 36% of young adults ages 18 to 25 reported experiencing anxiety, and 29% reported depression.
The reasons behind this distress are complex. Many young people face challenges like economic concerns, the lingering effects of COVID-19, and the pressures of social media. While the rise in therapy culture is undoubtedly connected to the general anxiety many feel, it seems to be amplifying the problem rather than solving it.
As we strive to support children and identify those in need, it’s crucial to recognize that asking very young students about their mental health struggles might not be helpful. Sometimes, less probing could lead to healthier outcomes.
Overall, as we navigate this intricate landscape of mental health, we should remember that understanding and patience may often be more effective than direct questioning or forced participation in programs.
For more information on mental health initiatives, you can visit NAMI, a leading organization focused on mental health education and support.
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Public schools,Education,Culture,Public Health,Students,Illinois
