Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to highlight suicide risk factors experienced by graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and then outline suicide prevention strategies for these populations. Design/methodology/approach: Through analysis of literature and application of theory, the authors use the diathesis-stress model and Joiner's…

Poor mental health in childhood and adolescence has a significant impact on both physical and mental health throughout life. However, growing evidence suggests that current levels of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) care are insufficient to meet the needs of many children and adolescents in the United States as evidenced by increasing…

Considerable research documents that LGBTQ youth are more likely to experience mental health challenges than their heterosexual peers, including higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This first Science-to-Practice Brief summarizes a study on protective factors related to depression and suicidality among U.S. sexual and…

Students' mental health and wellness is an indicator of educational engagement and academic success. Studies have shown that school-based behavioral health interventions result in improved educational outcomes. In addition, research shows that access to school-based health centers increases student participation in mental health services and may…

Educators and caregivers can foster emotional wellbeing, growth, and resilience, contributing to a fulfilling and balanced adulthood by providing positive childhood experiences (PCEs). PCEs protect the brain and promote healing for people who have experienced adverse childhood environments (ACEs). In the presence of PCEs, adverse experiences in…

Community-based youth-serving organizations are often seen by participants and their families as safe and supportive environments with no stigma attached to participation. Many children attend community-based afterschool programs five days a week. In such an environment, trusted adults can consistently monitor the moods and behaviors of…

With approximately $1.2 billion allocated to K-12 education through pandemic funding, West Virginia has the opportunity to utilize those dollars over the next 3 years to benefit its children. This infographic highlights the problems and possible solutions of supporting the mental health needs of West Virginia students.

Notable increases in youth mental health problems combined with strains on the already stretched mental health workforce raise concerns that there will be an ensuing increase in youth suicide thoughts, behaviors, and even deaths. Schools are recognized as crucial settings for youth mental health support and suicide prevention activities, yet…

This article provides general information and guidance for physical educators, specifically related to their role in suicide prevention. It is the duty of school personnel to recognize the vital role they have in helping to prevent suicide, to promote healthy behaviors and positive relationships, and to appropriately talk about suicide and suicide…

Teacher burnout is a growing concern. Stressors of the teaching profession can become too much. Emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and personal and professional inefficiency are three main facets of burning out. By reconnecting to others and themselves, teachers can conquer burnout. Self-care, including getting enough rest, is also an important…

Student mental health needs continue to rise across the United States and many students and families rely on schools to provide services to meet these needs. Yet, an overwhelming number of available frameworks and approaches to school mental health (SMH) and overlapping terminology surrounding SMH supports like trauma-informed (TI) approaches,…

Youth suicide is massive public health problem. Although adolescent suicide has received greater attention in the professional literature, suicidal behavior in the form of suicidal ideation, suicide threats and/or plans, suicide attempts, and suicide does occur in preadolescent children. This article provides an overview of suicidal behavior in…

Due to the emotional and social burden on Americans stemming from firearm injury and death, school psychologists (SPs) must be equipped with an understanding of risk factors that could lead to students engaging in gun violence. SPs are ideally situated due to their training and expertise in promoting healthy development in children and youth, as…

Although schools and school districts have experience planning for biological hazards (such as contaminated food) and types of infectious diseases (seasonal flu, Staphylococcus aureus, meningitis, etc.), pandemics often present unique challenges and greatly impact efforts to ensure continuity of teaching and learning, as well as safety. The…

Schools have become increasingly interested in social-emotional learning (SEL) over the past decade, and that interest has grown due to concern about student well-being resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is confusion around SEL. Christi Bergin, Christina Cipriano, Tia Barnes, Shannon B. Wanless, researchers who have studied and…