Mental Health America Provides New Resources on Student Mental Health

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of the challenges a new school year presents, Mental Health America is providing new resources on student mental health (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/back-school).

"A student's mental health is just as important as their general health," said Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO of Mental Health America. "We know the start of a new school year can be a stressful time for students all ages. These resources are designed to help parents, teachers, and other caregivers talk to kids about what's going on at school and help students of all ages."

In addition to a list of important steps parents and others can take to support children as they head back to school, fact sheets address challenges and issues that students confront in schools and their communities. These materials, which are available for download at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/back-school, cover:

• Children's Mental Health Matters: Promoting Children's Mental Health
• Children's Mental Health Matters: Take a Closer Look
• Bullying: Tips for Parents
• Bullying and LGBT Youth
• What to Do If You Are Being Bullied
• Healthy Mental and Emotional Development
• Parent/Advocate Back to School Checklist

Parents and students can also participate in an anonymous survey on bullying by going to the site.

For students in college, Mental Health America has developed Back to Campus materials and an accompanying toolkit that provides parents and young adults with helpful information and resources.

The materials, available at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/back-campus, address:

• Stressed or Depressed?  Know the Difference
• Boost Your School Performance by Taking Care of You
• Top Ten Freshman Year Issues (and how to deal with them)
• Alcohol, Substance Abuse and Depression

There is also information for colleges and universities about what types of services should be in place to address the mental health needs of the student body.

Mental Health America's website has additional material on children's mental health available here.

Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net), founded in 1909, is the nation's leading community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our 228 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

SOURCE Mental Health America