"On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the highest, how depressed are you?"
"9."
"On a scale of 1-10, how much do you think about leaving this earth?"
"10."

I had to fight back tears as I listened in on a session with a social worker, and my mentee. She asked me to accompany her to the meeting for support, but I am not sure how much of a support I was if I could barely handle the answers to those questions. As she continued to share, I wondered how many other students were just like her, but did not feel safe enough to tell an adult what they were experiencing.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10-14, which means many children do not feel comfortable or safe enough to be vulnerable with adults. Now that we know this, we have to make sure the adults working with kids are adequately prepared to not only handle trauma in kids, but to guide them to the resources available to them.

Here are a few tips that can aid this process:

Recognize the Stigma – In both the African American community and the community of faith, there is a stigma connected to mental health. We were always taught to pray it away, or that therapy was for crazy people. We also have an innate will to keep going with little to no reprieve in life. This mindset has to die in order for us to truly heal ourselves, and the community around us, especially the children. God and therapy can coexist. Vulnerability can lead to change, and transparency can transform mindsets.
Normalize Mental Health – We have to start talking about it, so that it becomes a normal part of the conversation. The more we normalize, the easier it is to understand, and educate others about it. It has to become apart of our routine just as much as our physical health.
Be the Example – We cannot preach the importance of mental health, but lack proper care for our own. In order for me to get some of my students open enough to try therapy or talking to a social worker, I had to let them know about my own mental health journey. I made sure I told them about my fear and apprehension when I started, and how much it eventually changed my life. I had to start using the language, and setting an example for them to see what was possible for their own lives through the lens of my decision to make mental health apart of my self-care.
Get Educated – My perspective on mental health was quite limited before stepping into the education/non-profit field. Some of the students I came into contact with experienced trauma on a level I was not trained to handle, and there were many moments I felt helpless. It was not until I became certified in Mental Health First Aid through MHFA, that I finally understood how to adequately help not only my students, but my peers as well. I noticed the signs, used the language, acquired the skills, and knew exactly what direction to point others to for mental health resources. (For more information on how to get trained & become certified, go to https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ )
Pay Attention – I know for a fact there were moments I was so focused on student’s learning, that I did not notice that some of them were suffering. It took a few critical moments in my first year of teaching that helped me see that we have no idea what the children in front of us are facing. I started to pick up shifts in energy or behavior, and began pulling students aside to make sure they were okay. I had an open door policy with students to assure them that not only was I there when they needed me, but that this indeed was a safe space for them. The more you get to know your students, the more you will notice about them. While I know getting them ready for end of year testing is important, getting them to the end of the year mentally stable and sound is just as important.

The tips shared above do not come overnight, and need to be developed, but when we recognize the mental health crisis we are in, we take a different responsibility with ourselves, our students, and our community as a whole.

click here to learn more about the author

More Resources:

Therapy for Black Girls (This is a resource that puts many African American female therapists in your area into one database to see which one works for both your financial situation and what you may need in this season of your life. They also have an amazing blog and podcast that may be helpful to you as well!)

https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/podcast/

Insurance (calling your provider and going through behavioral health providers will allow you to find one. Some jobs and school programs provide a certain amount of free sessions each year, so ask if that is something that is available through your insurance)
University Psychological Services (Go to a local university website and contact their counseling and psychological services. They work with you based on income.)

Mental Health is Key, Even at a Young Age!