Do the family members of your district have the tools and knowledge they need to recognize signs of depression? Are they trusted adults who can address mental health? Do they know where to get help for their students or other teens in the community? Who We Are Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization founded in …
The Power of Programs with ImpactPart III: Family Engagement Read More »
Access Programs The Basics “You’re not alone,” a phrase so simple yet it’s the hardest to grasp when struggling with mental health. It’s what I like to call, “the golden rule” of mental health. Whether it’s you who’s battling a mental health disorder or someone you know, it’s still a journey. What matters most is …
Access Programs Serving Students with SEL During a recent conversation with a colleague who is in charge of social-emotional learning (SEL) for a large school district, we wondered how schools would respond to this question, “What services should be provided to the students you serve?” Preparing students to thrive academically might be a top answer; …
SEL and Mental Health Education Build on One Another Read More »
Access Programs Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation My Story I have always been someone who is afraid of reaching out for help. However, that had to change when at the end of freshman year I reached a point where I could not handle everyday life and feelings by myself. My parents were freshly divorced, COVID hit, and …
The Importance of Reaching Out to a Trusted Adult Read More »
Access Portal Another study. Another confirmation that our youth are struggling with their or their peers’ mental health. In fact, student mental health experiences are now dramatically, and negatively, impacting the academic purpose of schools. According to the latest YouthTrust Student Survey, “‘Depression, stress, and anxiety’ is the most prevalent obstacle to learning for secondary students at …
Schools Can Address Mental Health Smarter, Better, Easier Read More »
Access Programs Erika’s Lighthouse at SHAPE Florida I heard an amazing presentation on Erika’s Lighthouse curriculum at a conference hosted by SHAPE Florida, the state organization for physical and health education K-12 teachers in Florida. Rachel Winsten, a high school P.E. teacher presented with passion and spoke about the opportunity through Erika’s Lighthouse. Erika’s Lighthouse offers resources …
Why Educators Must Focus on Student Mental Health Read More »
A Heart on the Outside of the Body That is what it’s like having children. That’s what we’re told and we accept that as how it is. However, I am sitting here thinking, Uhm. Okay. But how in the world do I live my life if my heart is outside of my body? How do …
The American School Health Association (ASHA) is a national, multidisciplinary professional association that collaborates with Erika’s Lighthouse and others on a mental health initiative – Shine Light on Depression. ASHA’s work centers around connecting health and learning by encouraging collaboration across disciplines within the school and community to ensure that students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. …
