Schools today are facing an undeniable reality—students are struggling with mental health challenges at unprecedented levels, affecting students’ academic success, emotional well-being, and long-term potential. Anxiety, depression, and emotional distress have become constant companions for many, disrupting not only their learning but their overall well-being.
Educators, administrators, and mental health professionals are doing all they can, but many schools struggle to keep up with stretched resources and increasing demands. This crisis isn’t just something we’re hearing about— we see it happening in classrooms every single day.
At eLuma, we are committed to helping schools face this challenge head-on. Our mission, inspired by our founder and chairman of the board, Jeremy Glauser, is rooted in the belief that no student should face these struggles alone. Jeremy’s involvement with the School-Based Industry Council for the Kennedy Forum and eLuma’s active collaboration with these organizations demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing mental health services in schools nationwide. By working closely with these leading initiatives, we’re helping create sustainable solutions that ensure every student has the support they need to succeed.
The 2024 State of Student Mental Health Report brings together insights from over 500 educators, administrators, counselors, and mental health professionals on the frontlines of the adolescent mental health crisis. It outlines the severity of the current challenges in schools and provides real, actionable solutions to help schools address them. Explore the findings to learn how we can work together to create better outcomes for students and educators.
A Generation in Distress
- Soaring Mental Health Challenges:
The surge in mental health issues like anxiety and depression has become a daily reality in schools, where students’ emotional struggles significantly disrupt learning. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide rates are up by 24%, and mental health conditions now account for over 23% of the total disease burden among adolescents (Mental Health America). These struggles manifest in poor academic performance, difficulties in social interactions, and long-term risks to students’ futures. - Lack of Resources and Staff Shortages:
Many schools simply don’t have the resources to meet the growing mental health needs. Nearly 60% of students with Major Depression are not receiving treatment (Biomed Central). While only 10% of mental health providers feel care is well-coordinated, according to our survey. School counselors, social workers, and psychologists are stretched thin, making it difficult to provide the consistent support students need to succeed academically and emotionally. - Absenteeism and Disruptions in Care:
Attendance plays a significant role in whether students can receive mental health interventions. High absenteeism, particularly in underserved communities, prevents students from accessing the support they need, leading to gaps in care. Without continuity, students’ mental health deteriorates, impacting their overall academic performance. - Administrator Burnout and Competing Priorities:
School administrators are tasked with balancing academic goals with increasing mental health demands, and many are overwhelmed. Almost half of K-12 administrators report only moderate confidence in their ability to provide adequate mental health services. Resource limitations force them to prioritize competing demands, leading to a lack of proper mental health support, negatively impacting students’ academic success.
Turning Data Into Solutions: What Schools Can Do Now
The State of Student Mental Health Report doesn’t just highlight the crisis—it provides actionable solutions that schools can implement to address these critical challenges. Here’s how this report can help schools tackle their most pressing pain points:
- Prioritizing Early Intervention and Prevention
Schools can proactively identify at-risk students through universal screeners, which detect behavioral health issues before they escalate into crises. Implementing these tools can significantly improve students’ long-term outcomes by addressing challenges early on. - Addressing Staff Shortages and Burnout
The report emphasizes the importance of professional development in equipping all school staff with the skills to identify and respond to mental health challenges. This helps reduce the burden on overextended staff and empowers teachers and administrators to intervene early and effectively. - Expanding School-Based Mental Health Services
Schools must take steps to expand their mental health offerings. Embedding mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychologists, and social workers, directly in schools allows students to access care in a familiar environment, making it easier for them to seek help without stigma. By partnering with providers like eLuma, virtual services can supplement in-house staff with licensed professionals who are available to provide consistent support. - Fostering Family Engagement
Family involvement is critical to the success of school-based mental health initiatives. The report highlights how schools can improve family engagement by providing caregivers with psychoeducation, resources, and direct support. Schools that effectively engage families create a unified support system that addresses students’ mental health at home and in the classroom.
Download the Full Report and Take Action
The 2024 State of Student Mental Health Report offers a comprehensive roadmap for schools to navigate the growing mental health crisis. From expanding mental health services to improving continuity of care and increasing family engagement, this report is a crucial tool for school administrators who want to support their students more effectively.
Don’t let your school fall behind in addressing this critical issue. Download the full report here and discover how your school can implement these essential solutions today. Together, we can ensure that no student faces mental health challenges alone.
