Erika's Lighthouse Blog

How to Choose a School Mental Health Curriculum

katie@erikaslighthouse.org (Katie Conklin) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:32:26 GMT

When Ohio required schools to provide mental health education, Community Educator Amy Gladman wasn't simply looking for another lesson plan. She needed a curriculum that students would connect with, educators could confidently teach, and schools could successfully implement.

How One Ohio Educator Helped a Student Recognize the Signs of Depression and Saved a Life

maggie@erikaslighthouse.org (Erika's Lighthouse) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:29:59 GMT

When Amy Gladman began teaching mental health education in rural Ohio, her goal was simple: help students understand their mental health before they reached a crisis point.

Today, that work is helping thousands of students build the knowledge and confidence to recognize signs of depression, support their peers, and seek help when they need it.

What Works in School Mental Health? Lessons From Reaching 1.7 Million Students

katie@erikaslighthouse.org (Katie Conklin) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:34:52 GMT

Since 2004, Erika's Lighthouse has partnered with more than 6,200 schools and directly impacted more than 5.5 million students. What began as a local effort has grown into the largest depression education and suicide prevention curriculum in the United States, reaching more than 1.7 million students annually across all 50 states.

School Transition Stress: How Educators Can Help

katie@erikaslighthouse.org (Katie Conklin) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:28:37 GMT

Transitioning to a new school often causes stress and anxiety because students are navigating unfamiliar environments, new social dynamics, increased academic expectations, and changes to their support systems. While these feelings are common, understanding the causes can help families and schools provide the right support.

Now Approved: Erika’s Lighthouse Staff Training Added to SPRC Best Practices Registry

Kristina Kins — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:43:52 GMT

For school administrators, counselors, and educators, managing the youth mental health crisis is one of the most serious challenges faced in classrooms today. Fifty percent of all mental illnesses manifest before age 14, and suicide remains the second-leading cause of death for young people.

To turn the tide, school professionals need validated, expert-backed tools. That is why we are incredibly proud to announce that the Erika’s Lighthouse Staff Training on Depression and Suicide Prevention has been officially approved and listed on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) Best Practices Registry.

This major milestone offers independent, national validation that our training curriculum meets the highest standards of safety, accuracy, and programmatic effectiveness.

Mental Health Excellence in K-12: Honoring the 2025-2026 Peggy Kubert Model Schools

Kristina Kins — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:04:31 GMT

What is a Peggy Kubert Model School in Mental Health Excellence?

At Erika's Lighthouse, we believe that every student deserves good mental health. Ensuring that students thrive requires more than occasional programming—it requires total cultural transformation.

A New Way to Work: Our Resource Portal is Getting an Upgrade

Kristina Kins — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:43:13 GMT

Change is in the air this summer! We are thrilled to announce that we are officially transitioning to a brand-new, updated Resource Portal. We know that system changes can feel daunting, but this move is all about making your life easier. We’ve listened to your feedback and built a space that is faster, more intuitive, and packed with the tools and programs you know, along with new program topics that will continue to resonate with your school community.

As a leader in Tier-1 mental health programming, our goal is to ensure that every educator has the knowledge and tools they need to care for their students' mental health with as few barriers as possible.

How Screen Time Affects Teen Mental Health: A Guide for Balance

katie@erikaslighthouse.org (Katie Conklin) — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In an era where digital devices are completely integrated into academic and social lives, finding a healthy equilibrium is one of the most critical challenges facing families today. While technology facilitates learning and peer interaction, excessive usage can subtly erode a teenager's emotional health. Fifty percent of mental illness occurs before age 14 according to adolescent health data tracked by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the modern youth mental health crisis leaves many families feeling overwhelmed. However, framing this conversation around hope and practical solutions can inspire real change.

How School Staff Can Spot and Support Burned-Out High Achievers

katie@erikaslighthouse.org (Katie Conklin) — Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In today’s competitive academic landscape, high-achieving students often carry immense pressure to perform. Whether it’s earning perfect grades, securing scholarships, or gaining admission to top universities, ambition can lead to success—but it can also mask a serious and growing issue: student burnout.

4 Free and Affordable Ways to Support Student Mental Health

katie@erikaslighthouse.org (Katie Conklin) — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:29:59 GMT

In today’s fast-paced academic environment, mental health has become a primary concern for students of all ages. From middle schoolers facing social pressures to high schoolers juggling heavy workloads, the need for support is urgent. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, making early intervention critical.