Are America's schools doing enough to break the stigma around mental health and substance misuse?
Scoop USA Newspaper|October 27, 2023
Educators, administrators, parents, and anyone who’s been to a school or college campus lately know students are struggling like never before. They are depressed, anxious, and—increasingly—even suicidal. Many are battling substance misuse or addiction. And horrifically, more young people are dying each day from accidental fentanyl overdoses. Facing any of these problems is hard enough on its own. But when students feel added shame, blame, and isolation for these diseases, it only adds to their struggle.
Are America's schools doing enough to break the stigma around mental health and substance misuse?

The stigma around mental health and substance misuse runs deep, says student wellbeing activist David Magee. But there’s a LOT schools can do to stop it—if they’re willing.

“Many schools fear being labeled a ‘drug’ school, and while this kind of thinking is misinformed and misplaced, it repeatedly happens,” says Magee, author of the book Things Have Changed: What Every Parent (and Educator) Should Know About the Student Mental Health and Substance Misuse Crisis, and award-winning book Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss.

“Schools can’t have a drug problem, though, because they are merely collections of students from families within the community,” he asserts. “Substance issues are family and community issues that show up in our schools, colleges, and universities. The same is true of mental health disorders and countless students at many upstanding schools suffer in both areas.”

And yet, some schools have feared such labeling to the point that they don’t offer the needed education about substance misuse. But now it’s crunch time, says Magee. The pandemic shed light on mental health struggles and brought the need for change to the forefront.

“Schools and colleges are in a great position to help students navigate these challenges,” says Magee, who has dedicated his life to giving students the tools they need to thrive and find the joy they crave more than anything else. “It begins with breaking down the stigma and letting students—of all ages—know that they are loved and supported.”

Denne historien er fra October 27, 2023-utgaven av Scoop USA Newspaper.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 27, 2023-utgaven av Scoop USA Newspaper.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA SCOOP USA NEWSPAPERSe alt
Evans: Much of GOP Agenda is Unpopular and We'll Fight It
Scoop USA Newspaper

Evans: Much of GOP Agenda is Unpopular and We'll Fight It

He doesn't think people voted for higher prices or denial of healthcare.

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 40
How to root out Trumpism
Scoop USA Newspaper

How to root out Trumpism

So many of you have asked me how one of the most loathsome people in America was just reelected president that I thought you might find it helpful if I shared with you some personal history.

time-read
6 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 40
Kraft Heinz stops serving school-designed Lunchables because of low demand
Scoop USA Newspaper

Kraft Heinz stops serving school-designed Lunchables because of low demand

At the time, Kraft Heinz said the offerings were protein-enriched and contained reduced levels of saturated fat and levels of saturated fat and sodium to meet the requirements of the national free and reduced-price school lunch program.

time-read
1 min  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 40
Independence Blue Cross invites members to join free in-person and virtual events to learn more about Medicare
Scoop USA Newspaper

Independence Blue Cross invites members to join free in-person and virtual events to learn more about Medicare

Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is holding free events and online webinars to help existing members learn more about Medicare.

time-read
2 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 40
In honor of Veterans Day and our troops "God's Military Force"
Scoop USA Newspaper

In honor of Veterans Day and our troops "God's Military Force"

Since the beginning of time, whenever man established a nation, country, or kingdom, he also developed a Military Force to protect that kingdom from enemies and, if necessary, back that Government in enforcing its law.

time-read
6 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 40
Phila. Water Dept.highlights conservation tips under drought watch
Scoop USA Newspaper

Phila. Water Dept.highlights conservation tips under drought watch

The Philadelphia Water Department supports the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (PADEP) call for reduced water use by residents in Philadelphia and 35 additional counties.

time-read
1 min  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 40
SEPTA announces major fare increase proposal for Jan.1
Scoop USA Newspaper

SEPTA announces major fare increase proposal for Jan.1

With no prospect of a statewide solution to help fund the everyday operating expenses of public transportation systems, SEPTA announced a new fare increase proposal that would see rates jump by more than 20% across all modes and methods of payment.

time-read
2 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 40
At an art festival in Dakar, artists from both sides of the Atlantic examine the legacy of slavery
Scoop USA Newspaper

At an art festival in Dakar, artists from both sides of the Atlantic examine the legacy of slavery

A whirlwind of color and art at the opening of this year's Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art in the Senegalese capital stood in stark contrast to the serious topic of slavery featuring in the artworks of guest artists from the United States.

time-read
2 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 40
The torch is passed: from MAGA throwbacks to America's future
Scoop USA Newspaper

The torch is passed: from MAGA throwbacks to America's future

Joe Biden didn't just pass the torch to another generation. He passed it from white MAGA men to America's future.

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2024
Blood tests for Alzheimer's may be coming to your doctor's office. Here's what to know
Scoop USA Newspaper

Blood tests for Alzheimer's may be coming to your doctor's office. Here's what to know

New blood tests could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease faster and more accurately, researchers reported Sunday but some appear to work far better than others.

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2024