The idea of providing mental health support in schools is gaining traction at the secondary level, and some of the change is coming from students themselves. Recently, three Virginia high school students sought help from state lawmakers after watching their peers struggle with depression and anxiety. Following the students’ initiative, Virginia became one of the first states to require mental health education in K-12 schools.
The new curriculum will be folded into existing instruction and will include age-appropriate lessons that cut stigma around mental health, teach youth how to care for their mental health, and create pathways for students to seek care in the future.
