The Role of Educational Leaders in Supporting Student Mental Health | EP. 35

COVID 19 made a huge impact on everyone’s lives, especially students. Today, we talk about the state of student mental and emotional health pre and post-pandemic and how our educational leaders can support them.

In a study conducted by The Jed Foundation (JED), 63% of students say that their emotional health is worse than before the COVID 19 pandemic, and 56% of students were significantly concerned with their ability to take care of their mental health hall. Students' emotional and mental health was negatively impacted during and as a result of the pandemic.

The reality is that we have all been affected in some way by the COVID 19 pandemic. And when we think about educational leaders, when we think about leaders in general, and especially students, we're all under a lot of pressure to still perform at a level that is effective and efficient, even in the midst of the pandemic.

Listen to this conversation to uncover the reality of students' emotional and mental health during the pandemic and learn practical steps you can take to support them.

Show Highlights:

(00:00:00) Episode disclaimer & highlight

(00:01:03) Introduction: Welcome to Unlearn the Lies Podcast

(00:02:05) We are back and in full effect!

(00:03:40) The state of student mental health during the pandemic

(00:06:26) 63% of students say their emotional health got worse during the pandemic

(00:10:53) Students are now looking for support for their mental & emotional health

(00:13:12) Message from our sponsor: Speaks 2 Inspire is the mental health solution for young adults suffering in silence. Learn about how your campus can benefit from partnering with Speaks 2 Inspire by visiting www.speaks2inspire.com.

(00:14:55) You don't need to be an expert to help.

(00:16:50) Step 1: Shift to a growth mindset

(00:18:16) Step 2: Model empathy & create a safe space for students

(00:20:33) Step 3: Decrease stigma and normalize these conversations (talk about mental health, mental illness, seeking support)

(00:22:13) Step 4: Make a list of and promote campus resources (CAPS, Health/Wellness Center, student organizations)

(00:27:25) Step 5: Host an event (mental health awareness, campus-wide mental health screening.) Contact Speaks 2 Inspire to bring an S2I Speaker to campus www.speaks2inspire.com

(00:30:18) Join our growing community on Facebook (https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity)

(00:32:12) Summary and outro

Key Takeaways:

“You don't need to be an expert to help, you just need to care and be willing to meet students where they are. When you understand that you don't need to be the expert, it now puts you in a position to point your students to an expert if they so choose or need to get that sort of support.”

“Shifting to a growth mindset says that ‘this situation that my students are experiencing or that I'm experiencing is not the end all be all. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope from this situation. I can do something.”

“The more we decrease stigma and normalize these conversations, the more likely students are to open up. The more likely they are to get support. And if students are getting support, they're more likely to finish school and become successful professionals.”

Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health is Hosted by Abraham Sculley

• Contact Speaks 2 Inspire to learn about S2I programs: https://speaks2inspire.com/services/.
• Mental health resources for students: https://speaks2inspire.com/resources/.
• Connect with Abraham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrahamsculley/.
• Order a copy of Unlearn The Lies https://amzn.to/32B2jRh.
• Join the Unlearn The Lies About Mental Health Facebook group: https://bit.ly/UTLcommunity.

This episode is powered by Speaks 2 Inspire, the mental health solution for young adults suffering in silence. Speaks 2 Inspire works with colleges and universities to create and implement safe, comprehensive programs for campuses across the nation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting “Home” to 741741 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255.