Decorah schools respond to increase in mental health needs

(Photo courtesy of Child Mind Institute website)

As the COVID pandemic continues into its 8th month, the impact on Decorah Community School District students' mental health is becoming more evident.

Decorah Superintendent Mark Lane addressed this concern in his November 13th email to the community.  He wrote, "The Decorah Schools Counseling Department recognizes that there has been a significant increase, both nationwide and within our community, in the mental health needs of our students, stress in our students, and challenges to parenting."

Decorah Middle School Counselor Lee Stock added, "Anxiety and depression are some of the issues that we have seen increase this year for some students."

In response to these needs, the Decorah counseling staff has collaborated with some local psychologists to recommend an online mental health resource for district families. Child Mind Institute provides valuable information on a wide variety of issues dealing with children's mental health, in addition to parenting. It is a free website, and the district encourages all families to take advantage of this resource.

Families are not expected to handle this all on their own. On the front lines at the middle school, Stock said, "I'm definitely watching for any students dealing with depression and I've asked our staff to keep a special watch on students, as well.  My goal this year is to meet individually with as many of our students as I can.   Any time that I don't have a specific student that I need to meet with, I'm meeting with a wide variety of students out of study hall to check on their mental health.   I've met with close to 200 students, so far, which is way above average, so that I can gauge how our students are doing overall."

Additionally, there is a platform in place at the middle school to have students help their classmates as well. They have what is called "Safe School Reporting Form." This form is a totally anonymous online method for students to report a concern about themselves or other students.  It can be used to report suicidal threats, depression, eating disorders, bullying, or any other concerns that students feel the staff should know about. DMS is also trying to eliminate any stigma that can go along with asking for help for any of these serious issues.  At each of their monthly (virtual) assemblies, students are encouraged to reach out for help, if they are struggling in any way.

Stock reiterated the importance of using available resources for mental health.  He said, "The biggest thing that I would love to pass on to our community is the website that we are putting out for our parents:  Child Mind Institute. Also, we would encourage anyone with concerns about a student to reach out to one of our three school counselors:  Amanda Hahn at the elementary schools, Lee Stock at Decorah Middle School, or Pat Trewin at the high school.  Finally, parents are encouraged to reach out to their family doctor for assistance with mental health concerns."