Mental Health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that one in five adults in America experience a mental illness and nearly one in 25 adults in America live with a serious mental illness. In childhood one in five adolescents between ages 13 and 17 have or will have a mental illness. More alarming, it has been found that at least half of all chronic mental illness begin by the age of 14. Studies have shown that early intervention is the most effective approach to supporting the impact mental illness can have on an individual. WCPS is dedicated to monitoring the provision of mental health services within our schools and throughout the community.

Ten Common Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues

1. Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
2. Seriously trying to harm or kill oneself or making plans to do so
3. Severe out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors
4. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason
5. Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss/gain
6. Seeing, hearing or believing things that are not real
7. Repeatedly using drugs or alcohol
8. Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality or sleeping habits
9. Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still
10. Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities

What Can You Do?

• Start the conversation about your concerns
• Offer support to the student
• Seek resources for help
• Reach out to the school for a student support team meeting
• Contact mental health providers at the school
• Click on Care Solace at the top right of the page to access free care coordination

If you are experiencing barriers to help: 

Examples of a barrier may be transportation, no insurance or inadequate coverage, need for specialists, or help finding care.  Please contact your school counselor or social worker for assistance.  School-based mental health services also may be available.