A Word from Coach Fran: Managing Life & School in These Uncertain Times
Our young people are struggling to maintain a sense of hope and well-being in these challenging times. According to data collected from the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement, of the over 35,000 students assessed, a significant number reported an increase in mental health issues:
53 percent of incoming freshman reported a substantial increase in mental and emotional exhaustion.
30 percent of those surveyed reported increased depression.
28 percent reported inability to concentrate.
27 percent said they experienced greater loneliness.
25 percent experienced sleeping difficulty.
20 percent felt more hopeless.
The results from the BCSSE indicate the importance of addressing the health and well-being of our young people. Although these results reflect the emotional status of incoming freshman, we should take to heart that students of all ages have been experiencing unprecedented stressors, and schools across the country are responding by expanding their mental health services for the upcoming year.
Encourage your student to reach out and access available resources. Be attentive, responsive, and compassionate. These difficult times challenge us to use our skills to manage today’s stressors and provide an incredible learning opportunity for our students and an opportune teaching opportunity for parents and professionals who have the honor of working with today’s youth. Do your best to model a positive mindset and coping strategies for stress management such as reframing roadblocks and disappointments as opportunities to create new options.
Take this opportunity to quip your student with the necessary skills to navigate life’s inevitable stressors and challenges!