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Schools address mental health concerns, taking positive steps

You’re starting to see it more and more: Schools and universities are paying more attention to mental health than they have before, and it’s long overdue.

College life is fun and rewarding, but it always be stressful, especially if a student takes a full-load of classes and works a part-time, or even a full-time job. Even if a person is outgoing, being away from family and longtime friends can place an added strain during the year.

And this is just college. High schoolers probably don’t have the demanding academics found in university life, but they still have to attend class. Add in extracurricular activities, and again, a job, and it can be a lot to handle.

Northern Michigan University has debuted its new Wildcat Wellbeing Website, which can be found at nmu.edu/wellbeing.

In a Monday letter to students, faculty and staff, President Kerri Schuiling said a major priority for campus this year is enhancing already existing mental health and wellbeing services on campus and developing new ones.

At the new website, individuals can find information about all of NMU’s mental health and wellbeing services in one place. There has also been a wellbeing tab added to NMU’s mobile app. Schuiling also said to watch for information in the coming weeks for events, workshops and other training opportunities for students and employees regarding mental health and wellbeing topics.

Local school districts also are making efforts to address emotional health. For instance, NICE Community Schools has hired a third full-time counselor. Undoubtedly, the district still is feeling the effects of student death by suicide in April at Aspen Ridge School.

Negaunee Public Schools also has added a school resource officer, a second full-time social worker and a fourth guidance counselor.

It’s good to hear that universities and schools are taking mental health seriously. For too long it was a stigma, and it shouldn’t have been, and surely many students suffered too long in silence.

We hope that students now can get the help they need when they need it — and adding more resources certainly will make this easier.

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