Supporting the mental health of our youth is just as vital as protecting their physical well-being. This page provides Missouri educators, school nurses, and families with essential tools to navigate the complexities of student wellness. From building resilience and practicing self-care to identifying the warning signs of trauma and suicide, these resources are designed to foster a safe, compassionate, and informed school environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Grief
Every human, at some point or another, will likely experience loss and, therefore, grief. Though we hate to think about it, it is likely at some point we will have students who are bereaved. Remember, grief can look like: decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, social withdrawal, and even anger.
School-based support and increased understanding are essential when a student experiences the death of a friend or loved one.
Resilience
The best defense against the impacts of trauma, like disasters and ACEs, is RESILIENCE. Resilience is the ability to adjust and “bounce back” from adversity. Resilience can be cultivated in children and adolescents. Building connections and relationships with students is an excellent way to help grow students’ resilience.
Children’s problems include adapting to a new classroom, bullying by classmates, or abuse at home, but resilience is the ability to thrive despite these challenges.
Self-care
Self-care is not selfish! Self-care is essential for defending against compassion fatigue and burn-out, especially in the helping professions.
Suicide
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents and teens. If a student expresses suicidal thoughts or concerns to you, remember to remain calm. Listen, don’t judge, don’t accuse, and assure them that there IS help. If you believe a student is suicidal and in crisis, they can get help via the 988 Crisis Lifeline.
If you or someone you know is facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. Help is available. You are not alone. Call or text 988 or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Risk factors, warning signs, and how to help a youth experiencing suicidal ideation/thoughts
- Missouri Suicide Prevention Network (MSPN) Posters
In addition to hanging these where they are visible and accessible, feedback we have received from youth includes the recommendation to post these also in private areas, such as bathroom stalls, to allow for discretion when the individual may want to access the resources. Along with important data and talking points, these posters have a QR code which will direct the individual to the 988 website for help and additional resources.
Missouri Hotlines
- Suicide Prevention Lines
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) - CDC Suicide Prevention
- DMH Suicide Prevention
- MO Suicide Prevention Network for students that are in crisis now with suicidal ideation.
- Suicide Prevention Publications-National Institute of Mental Health
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Trauma and ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
The impacts of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences on the learning experience cannot be understated. Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a deeply distressing and/or terrible event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. ACEs are significant childhood traumas which can result in actual changes in brain development. These changes may affect a child’s learning ability, social skills, and can result in long-term health problems. In Missouri, many schools participate in the Missouri Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative in an effort to better respond to the needs of students. An appropriate response can be as simple as remembering the guiding principles of the trauma-informed response:
- Safety
- Trustworthiness and transparency
- Peer support
- Collaboration and mutuality
- Empowerment and choice
- Cultural, historical, and gender issues
- Missouri Model for Trauma-Informed Schools
- Understanding ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
Other Social Concerns
Child abuse and neglect
- Emergency cases of abuse (the child is in imminent danger) should be reported to the Child Abuse and Neglect (CA/N) Hotline at: 1-800-392-3738. Non-emergency reports can be made via the web-reporting system.
Information needed when reporting suspected child abuse and neglect:- Child’s name and address
- Parent/guardian/caregiver name and address
- Child’s age, sex, and race
- Nature of the injuries
- Source of the report
- Name and address of alleged perpetrator if known
- Family composition
- Name, occupation, and contact information of the reporter
Human trafficking
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- Missouri Department of Public Safety Human Trafficking information
Homelessness/housing security
- In 2019 there were about 1,350 homeless individuals under the age of 18 in the state of Missouri. For more information on supporting youth experiencing homelessness, click here.
Food security
- In Missouri, 809,680 people are facing hunger - and of them 202,900 are children.
- For information on Missouri food programs, click here.
- To find a food pantry near you, follow this link and select “Food Pantries”
More General Mental Health Resources
More General Mental Health Resources
- Behavioral Health Care Workforce Infographic
- CDC Youth Behavior Risk Survey
- CAN (What to Know About Child Abuse and Neglect)
- CDC Mental Health Information
- CDC Child Mental Health
- Children’s Mental Health Report (CDC)
- Mental Health America resources for recognizing signs of Mental Health concerns in youth
- Mental Health FIRST AID
- Missouri Department of Mental Health
- Missouri Department of Mental Health Children’s Services
- MO Department of Mental Health crisis line and resources specific to Missouri
- MSPN Promo
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- SAMHSA
- Trauma Informed Care in the Health Room
- Work-Related Burnout
- Youth Mental Health First Aid - Missouri