The APA Monitor published an article in the January 09 issue of the Monitor – Schools Expand Mental Health Care. Many thanks to Ashley Noojin, School Psychologist at the Hammond School who shared the article with me during my visit. Here are a few highlights:
- Mental health services are the fastest growing component of school-based health care.
- 20% of students will need active mental health services by the time they leave high school.
- 11% will have significant functional problems due to mental health issues.
- 5% will have severe functional problems
A second article in the Monitor – The Price of Affluence by Amy Novotney brings together the work of Suniya Luthar, PhD, Madeline Levine, PhD, Dan Kindlon, PhD and others. Here are a few highlights:
- Adolescents reared in suburban homes with an average family income of $120,000 report higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse than any other socioeconomic group of young Americans today.
- Affluence stands as a separate and distinct risk factors for many mental health issues.
- In 2007 one out of four college students showed elevated rates of narcissism – in 1985 it was one in seven.
Recommendations by Kindlon and Levine for parents:
- Provide children with clear responsibilities to help out around the house.
- Have the family take part in community service.
- Turn the TV off at least one night a week and monitor technology use.
Both articles have excellent research references that can help shape your work with parents and wellness planning at your school.
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Related links:
- Why She Cuts-Article in NewsWeek
- Teens, Sex and Technology
- Where Do Teens Turn for Medical Advice?
- Effective Outpatient Treatment for Eating Disorders
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