Increased numbers of depression and anxiety in students finally pushes Michigan to make a change.

Social stigmas around mental illness still exist. As a result, students often hesitate to seek help for depression, according to NewPort Academy. Therefore, it is crucial that mental health resources should be discussed much more openly and positively in schools, so students feel welcomed and encouraged to get help if needed. 

7.1% of children aged 3-17 years have diagnosed anxiety, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC). Due to the covid-19 pandemic, this number appears to continue rising exponentially as students become more isolated. 

The employment of counselors, psychologists and nurses in schools is crucial according to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, as she signed the $17.1 billion state K-12 budget last summer. It included a $240 million allocation to hire staff to support students as they grapple with mental and physical health needs that were highlighted and exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On top of the ongoing pandemic, past school shootings and everyday struggles continue to stay on student’s minds. It is important they receive the emotional and mental help needed to continue their educational life efficiently. By the new enforcement of more mental health professionals, there is no excuse for the school to not make these resources clearly visible to students.

Some may say that school is a place to learn, not a place for students to discuss their personal stressors. People may believe that student’s homes are the best place for students to receive the help they need, and that school is an inappropriate place to do so.

While it is true that school is a place to learn, some students don’t have ideal home environments where they can talk about how they are feeling. Furthermore, teen’s anxiety, depression and more will get in the way of their school day and ability to get things done if not discussed. School should be an accepting, inclusive and comfortable environment for students to learn as best as they can.

To achieve this, the school staff should implement informational emails, posters and discussions in school about mental health resources or counseling staff availability and encourage students to reach out if they are struggling.