Since we’ve been in the midst of a pandemic for a year and a half, it is difficult to remember how important feeling safe is to our mental health. But safety is vital, and if needs like safety aren’t met, a mental health condition may develop.

A lot of kids and teens haven’t been able to feel that sense of safety for a long time. Not only are they dealing with fears a family member (or they themselves) might be exposed to COVID-19 or the Delta Variant, but some have had to face an abusive home environment, a family financial hardship, or a family loss recently. We know from research that an estimated 1.5 million children worldwide lost a mother, father, or other caregiving relative in the first 14 months of the pandemic.

When a kid or teen experiences this kind of hardship, it can feel as if the world is crashing down on them. That’s why it’s crucial right now for parents, teachers, and administrators to do everything they can to foster a safe and secure environment. School can be a refuge from some of these difficult situations at home, and a place that students feel out of harm’s way.

Still, even in the safest of environments, we are in a youth mental health crisis, and many students will exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety as they return to the classroom. It is important to let kids and teens know that support is available. Each school has different types of education and counseling services, so it is best to become familiar with the resources that your school provides.

There are also serious signs that someone is in crisis and needs more immediate help. These include thoughts or plans of hurting oneself or another
person. If you think a child or teen is in immediate danger of taking suicidal action, call Peace River Center’s 24-hour Emotional Support and Crisis Line at 863.519.3744 or the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. Trained
crisis counselors can help you find local resources or suggest next steps.

To take an initial mental health screening, students can access www.MHAScreening.org for a free, confidential, and anonymous mental health test.