What is Mental Health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Good mental health positively affects our lives and enables us to meet life’s responsibilities and find happiness and meaning. Poor mental health can have negative impacts on our physical health, how we feel about ourselves, and how we interact with the world and those around us. (www.samhsa.gov/mental-health)
Young people face a variety of life challenges that can affect their mental health. Schools offer a safe and welcoming environment for students to learn and grow. The MCPS Mental Health and Wellness Department is dedicated to supporting students and families by providing information and resources available within the school system and community. Our goal is to reduce stigma associated with mental health and support positive changes leading to mental wellness.
Facts About Mental Health
- Mental health affects everyone regardless of culture, race, ethnicity or gender.
- Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns.
- 4 in 10 high school students have experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
- One in five children ages 13 – 18 have or will have a serious mental health illness
- More than half of high school students felt close to people at school.
What can you do?
- Learn more about mental health and available services
- Connect with your school for support and resources
- Talk with your child’s pediatrician
- Get a referral to a mental health professional
- Connect with other individuals and families