Mental health struggles among students are more common than ever. With increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress, schools must take action to support students effectively. Many young people suffer in silence, unsure of where to turn, while educators often feel unprepared to handle mental health crises in the classroom.
To bridge this gap, Indiana schools are implementing Youth Mental Health First Aid programs to equip teachers, staff, and students with life-saving skills. These programs are designed to help school personnel recognize early warning signs of mental distress, respond effectively, and provide appropriate support to students in need.
By prioritizing mental health awareness, schools can create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to seek help. This initiative is not just about crisis intervention—it’s about building a culture that normalizes conversations around student mental health and ensures young people receive the care they need before small struggles become major challenges.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Schools
Schools are often the first line of defense when it comes to identifying and addressing mental health concerns in children and teenagers. Teachers and school staff interact with students daily and are in a unique position to notice shifts in behavior, mood, or academic performance. However, without proper training, many educators feel unsure of how to respond to these issues.
This is why Indiana is expanding mental health training for educators and staff. By implementing structured programs like mental health first aid certification, schools provide their personnel with the tools they need to recognize warning signs, offer initial support, and connect students with professional help if needed.
According to FOX 59 News, this initiative is part of Project AWARE, a federally funded program supported by SAMHSA, the Indiana Department of Education (DOE), and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA). The program’s goal is to integrate mental health awareness into school systems, ensuring that every educator has the knowledge to identify students at risk and intervene appropriately.
Schools that prioritize student mental health see improvements in attendance, academic performance, and overall student well-being. When students feel supported, they are more likely to engage in their education, build strong relationships, and develop healthy coping strategies.
The Mental Health Training Approach: Understanding ALGEE
One important part of Youth Mental Health First Aid is the ALGEE action plan. This easy-to-follow, five-step approach helps teachers and educators respond in the best way when students are going through tough times or facing a mental health crisis.
The Five Steps of ALGEE
- Approach and assess the situation – Spotting warning signs and figuring out if immediate help is needed.
- Listen without judgment – Giving students a safe space to talk about how they feel.
- Give reassurance and information – Offering emotional support and helpful facts about mental health.
- Encourage self-help or professional support – Letting students know that asking for help is a strong and positive step.
- Explore available resources – Connecting students with counselors, therapists, or crisis services at school.
This method ensures that teachers can respond in a caring and informed way when students share their struggles. It also focuses on reducing stigma, so students feel comfortable reaching out for help without worrying about being judged.
How Mental Health Training Is Impacting Schools
Mental health first aid training is already making a big impact in Indiana schools. Over 300 school staff members have completed the training, giving them the tools they need to better support students who are struggling with mental health issues.
Teachers say they feel more confident in dealing with difficult situations, whether it’s a student who’s feeling anxious before a test or a teenager showing signs of depression. Before the training, many teachers admitted they weren’t sure how to handle these situations. Now, they have a clear plan to follow.
Erica Garrity, the Wellness Coordinator for the district, shared, “Because of this training, I now know how to talk to my daughter and grandson.” This shows an unexpected benefit of the program—it doesn’t just help students; it also improves conversations about mental health at home and in the community.
Parents are noticing the positive changes too. Many are relieved to know that their child’s school cares about mental health and is training teachers to offer the right support when needed.
Breaking the Stigma Around Student Mental Health
One of the biggest challenges in addressing mental health is the stigma. Many students are afraid to ask for help because they worry about being judged by their peers.
By adding mental health education into school lessons, teachers are helping change this. Schools are starting open talks about mental health, showing students that it’s just as important as physical health and everyone can face struggles.
Additionally, peer support programs are teaching students how to spot when their friends are struggling and how to encourage them to get help. When schools make talking about mental health normal, they help create an environment where young people feel comfortable taking care of their well-being.
We believe breaking the stigma around mental health is key, especially for students. Like we’ve seen on World Mental Health Day, it’s important to celebrate mental health awareness and help young people feel confident in taking care of their mental health without fear of being judged.
Future of School Mental Health Programs
Indiana schools are not stopping with Youth Mental Health First Aid—they have ambitious plans to expand school mental health programs further. Some of the upcoming initiatives include:
- Adult Mental Health First Aid – Helping school employees manage their own mental health and stress.
- Teen Mental Health First Aid – Teaching high school students how to recognize signs of distress in their peers and provide support.
- District-wide collaborations – Partnering with other school districts to expand mental health training and share best practices.
Emma Kirchmeyer, a recent participant in the program, believes this initiative will make a lasting impact:
“This could help so many students and teachers realize they’re not alone. It’s so important to have these conversations and make sure everyone feels supported.“
As these programs grow, the hope is that mental health awareness becomes a standard part of education nationwide.
Conclusion
The Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation and other Indiana districts are showing that focusing on Youth Mental Health First Aid can create real change. By making mental health a priority in schools, they’re giving students, teachers, and families the tools they need to handle challenges.
When schools treat mental health with the same importance as academics, students perform better, stay more engaged, and feel healthier overall. For anyone needing extra support, Sunrise Recovery is here. Our experienced team offers professional care to help those facing mental health or substance use issues.
