According to experts interviewed for this issue, it is not uncommon for schools to feel challenged when dealing with mental health issues. The list below provides some possible resources for further information.
American Federation for Suicide Prevention
www.afsp.org
This nonprofit organization educates people about suicide prevention, depression, and coping skills.
Center for the Advancement of Mental Health Practices in Schools
www.schoolmentalhealth.missouri.edu
Sponsored by the University of Missouri, this organization focuses on mental health education practices in schools and emphasizes recent survey reports and findings. The site also includes information about course curricula and links to other sites.
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
www.casel.org/home
Based at the University of Illinois at Chicago, CASEL promotes social and emotional learning in order to improve student learning and achievement. The site also contains research findings, including information regarding links between positive mental health and academic achievement.
Screening for Mental Health
www.mentalhealthscreening.org/about
This Web site contains a number of fact sheets about depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues. It also contains information about school programs and steps schools can take when setting up programs to deal with mental health issues.
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
www.save.org
Formed in 1990 in Minneapolis, Minn., SAVE's mission is to “help erase the stigma” surrounding suicide and depression. The site contains several checklists that help visitors determine whether they may be experiencing depression and also lists warning signs to watch for regarding suicide ideation.
Yellow Ribbon International
www.yellowribbon.org
This site contains information about teen suicide and its prevention. It also provides hotlines people can call for more information.