As concerns about adolescent mental health continue to rise nationwide, Hardin school administrators are taking proactive steps to prioritize mental health care. Recognizing the pressing need, they’ve launched initiatives aimed at fostering peer support networks and securing additional resources to aid struggling students.
Sixteen-year-old Lauren Krebs, a sophomore at Hardin High School, embodies the challenges many students face silently. Despite her outward appearance, Krebs grapples with mental health issues, a struggle she bravely acknowledges. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges, sharing her own journey of seeking therapy to manage her mental health.
Krebs’ experience resonates with many students in Montana, where alarming statistics from the Office of Public Instruction’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveal the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents. Hardin High School Principal Deanna Albert underscores the urgent need for support, citing recent incidents within the school community.
Addressing the root causes of these challenges, Albert identifies social media as a significant contributor, with a majority of issues originating from online interactions. In response, the Hardin School District has implemented comprehensive strategies to combat these issues, including the introduction of peer support networks like the Hope Squad and mental health resources such as QPR training.
Superintendent Tobin Novasio emphasizes the district’s commitment to providing robust support systems, highlighting partnerships with organizations like One Health, the Tribal Health Department, and the Jed Foundation. Through collaboration with the Jed Foundation, Hardin schools gain access to invaluable training and expertise aimed at bolstering emotional health and reducing harmful behaviors among young adults.
The partnership with the Jed Foundation, facilitated by a grant from the School Superintendents Association, represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis among adolescents. Krebs, inspired by the prospect of joining the Hope Squad, expresses her desire to offer support and reassurance to her peers, emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues.
In the face of daunting challenges, initiatives like the Hope Squad and partnerships with organizations like the Jed Foundation offer hope and tangible support to students navigating mental health struggles. Through collective efforts and a commitment to fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, Hardin schools aim to provide vital resources and support to ensure the wellbeing of their students.
