As the election season draws to a close, our country stands at a crossroads. The outcome, regardless of which party claims victory, will leave nearly half the population dissatisfied, deepening the political divide.
With heightened emotions, it’s easy to predict that this election tension will permeate into our communities, schools and even the minds of our youngest citizens. At a time when schools are already grappling with a mental health crisis, this uncertainty only exacerbates the challenges students face.
The reality of mental health in schools is undeniable: issues are rising at unprecedented rates, leaving educators, parents and students struggling to cope. In fact, recent reports show that 70% of public schools have reported an increase in students seeking mental health services since the pandemic, and one in five children now suffers from a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.
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For some of these students, the emotional toll of the last few years has translated into absenteeism, poor academic performance and escalating behavior problems. In many ways, our schools are ground zero for the nation’s growing mental health crisis, yet they are also the best positioned to address it.
Schools are where students spend the majority of their waking hours, making them ideal places to intervene and ensure every young person has the tools they need to succeed—not just academically, but emotionally. Schools are uniquely positioned to notice when something is wrong with a student and to act quickly.
From school counselors and teachers to administrators and staff, schools offer the most consistent touchpoint for students struggling with mental health challenges. Yet, as the demand for mental health services in schools skyrockets, funding is being cut. With decreasing enrollment due to shifting population trends and the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds, many districts are forced to make difficult decisions about what services to prioritize.
We can’t afford to let mental health support fall by the wayside. Research shows that students who receive emotional and behavioral support in schools are more likely to attend class regularly, engage with learning and graduate. These supports don’t just help students in the short term—they lay the groundwork for lifelong resilience.
There are mental health programs available specifically designed to help students learn how to regulate their emotions, set goals and manage the stress and uncertainty that inevitably come their way. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they are essential skills every student needs to navigate a world full of increasing complexity and challenges.
But it’s not just about the students. Educators are facing their own struggles in the current climate, with rising levels of burnout, stress and overwhelm. When educators are supported and have the tools to build their emotional resilience, they are better equipped to help their students. It is vital to support America’s teachers with critical training and resources that help them foster their well-being, ensuring they can be at their best when supporting their students.
Schools are not just institutions for academic learning; they are communities where emotional and social development happens every day. For many students, school may be the only place where they feel seen, supported and safe. By ensuring mental health programs are prioritized, we can create environments where all students have the opportunity to learn not just academics, but the life skills needed to manage stress, develop resilience and thrive in uncertain times.
This election season, amid all the rhetoric and debate, there is one thing we cannot afford to overlook: the mental health of America’s young people. Regardless of the outcome, schools will deal with the fallout for years. We must invest in proven mental health supports—because when we take care of students’ mental health, we’re setting them up for success in both school and life.
The time to act is now. Our students deserve better and so do the educators and families who support them. Let’s ensure that mental health remains a top priority, no matter which way the election turns.
