Mental Health Action Signs
School Nurse’s Mental Health Toolkit
Despite well-documented levels of emotional and behavioral problems in the nation’s youth, studies have repeatedly shown that 75% of youth with these problems are not identified and do not receive needed care. School nurses, as part of the mental health team, are key partners in identifying and supporting students experiencing a mental health crisis. The REACH Institute offers the “Actions Signs” Project to help caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals identify children at behavioral and emotional risk. Know your school’s crisis protocols and participate in mental health crisis training with other school mental health team members. If you think that one of your students may have any of the following signs, take immediate action, collaborate with your school’s mental health team, and follow your school’s protocol to help your student feel better.
- Feeling very sad or acting withdrawn for more than two weeks.
- Seriously trying to harm or kill themselves, or making plans to do so.
- Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing.
- Involved in many fights, using a weapon, or wanting to badly hurt others.
- Severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt them or others.
- Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make themselves lose weight.
- Intense worries or fears that get in the way of their daily activities
- Extreme difficulty in concentrating or sitting still that puts them in physical danger or causes school failure.
- Repeated use of drugs or alcohol.
- Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships.
- Drastic changes in behavior or personality.
The parent/guardian/caregiver is the most important member of the team of support for the student
Sometimes, the parent may seem unwilling or unable to help. In this case, approach with curiosity, not judgment. Does the parent have unmet needs, mental health conditions, or other stressors? Providing support for the parent supports the student.
See the resource section in this toolkit for connections that can help adults in need, such as Bridge2ResourcesVA.org