Chaplains For Waskom K-12 Schools: Expert Help To Overcome Grief, Suicide
Our students' mental health is increasingly at risk - and traditional counselling simply isn't enough.
Recent figures from the CDC show that nearly a third of all US students experienced poor mental health in 2021 - and more than one in five seriously considered suicide, with a worrying one in ten attempting suicide.
Helping students going through challenging circumstances, school chaplains offer a valuable informal line of help that has none of the weight carried by traditional counselling, explains The National School Chaplain Association (NSCA).
One of the main reasons students avoid traditional therapy is the stigma associated with psychological consultations, and the fear that these interventions will reflect negatively on their transcript when it comes to accessing higher education.
Chaplain assistance comes with none of these drawbacks, making it an easier option to accept for vulnerable students.
The NSCA offers new opportunities for K-12 schools in Harrison County looking for compassionate, non-judgmental spiritual care and counseling for students and staff - this time with a focus on overcoming grief.
“With teen suicide at an all-time high, chaplaincy is a non-threatening solution,” said a company representative. “Chaplains exist at the complex intersection of spirituality and mental health, where the line between a spiritual crisis and a mental health crisis is not always clear even to the person experiencing it. School chaplains are not therapists; in fact, schools employing chaplains stress that they are only one part of a holistic health and wellness approach. They are a nonjudgmental confidant easy to talk to without fear of harassment, and guided by their training, help decide when to refer someone to a licensed therapist.”
Correlating their efforts with teacher guidance and licensed therapists, and working closely with students to recognize early signs of grief, depression, and other challenges, school chaplains can substantially increase school safety and help students overcome potentially debilitating mental health issues, says NSCA.
The Association encourages schools looking to make a positive impact in the lives of their students - and increase safety for everyone - to get in touch and take the first steps towards working with certified NSCA chaplains.
Learn more about how school chaplains can help your students overcome mental health challenges at the link in the description.
National School Chaplain Association City: Norman Address: PO Box 720746 Website https://www.campuschaplains.org Phone +1-858-472-6084 Email rmalloy@missiongeneration.org
