Mental Health Now a Part of Health Education in Schools… in New York State. According to this article, as of this July, New York state schools will now include mental health as a part of health education classes. Apart from promoting awareness of common conditions like depression and anxiety, the curriculum will also emphasize helping students develop more emotional intelligence and better skills in communicating and managing feelings.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that almost half of those living with mental illness start experiencing symptoms by the age of 14 and that school-based mental health services are crucial to providing support and resources for young people. Click here to read more.
Sadly, Ontario has yet to follow suit but training is available to help teens now. Check out Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens. It works!