PLYMOUTH — Mental health issues have become a signficant factor amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
As schools resume classes this fall, educators are hoping to get out in front of some of those concerns that they may see in students or colleagues.
To that end, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Richland County presented “Ending the Silence” to the Plymouth-Shiloh Middle and High School staff on Aug. 24.
“After suicide struck my family last year, the importance of understanding the warning signs and guiding people to the appropriate resources, became a personal goal of mine,” shared Marla Reynolds, a teacher at Plymouth-Shiloh Schools. “The training NAMI offered our staff was much needed and very appreciated as we prepare to wade through the unknown in the aftermath of Covid-19.”
NAMI presenters spoke on the importance of mental-health support, suicide risks and warning signs, communication techniques when talking with students and families and local mental health resources. NAMI has been teaching the Ending the Silence program for middle and high school students for over a year; however, this was the first offering of the Ending the Silence school staff presentation.
“The mental health information shared during an Ending the Silence program is so very important for both the students and the staff. To know the signs and symptoms and when and where to get help can not only help a student remain successful at school but could save a life,” said Mary Kay Pierce, Executive Director of NAMI Richland County.
Pierce also shared some important but alarming statistics to the staff: 1 in 5 students in middle and high school classes are currently experiencing a mental health disorder but only 50% of those students are getting treatment or support for their mental health.
The staff at NAMI shared four steps to early intervention to make sure the students can access the mental health support they need and deserve.
Pierce said it was immediately apparent that the school staff had a passion for the well-being of their students. They quickly engaged themselves by asking questions, participated in discussion groups and reviewed a sample case study of a student who had a mental health crisis.
“Annabelle Coffman and Mary Kay Pierce provided our teaching staff with a great amount of knowledge and resources when working with our students and families in the areas of mental health and depression,” said Joe Morabito, Plymouth hHigh School principal. “They were extremely knowledgeable and made certain to address any type of question or scenario that was brought up during the training.”
At the end of the presentation, Annabelle Coffman, Associate Director of NAMI Richland County, shared her mental health journey and how teachers played a part in her well-being and success.
“Teachers play so many different roles and I do not think they are thanked enough for all the work, love and care they give to not only their profession but all the children that walk into their classroom,” Coffman said. “Years ago, I was one of those kids who needed extra support and the teachers at my school definitely gave it to me.”
Pierce said NAMI looks forward to coming back to Plymouth and Shiloh schools at the end of October to teach Ending the Silence to the middle and high school students. This program will show students the importance of mental health, how to help a friend and empower them to know they are NOT alone. There is help and there is hope.
If your school would like to learn more about the Ending the Silence program, contact NAMI Richland County at 419-522-6264.
