The Inside Scoop: Miles for Mental Health

Title: Mental Health Matters: Understanding the Impact on Students and the Efforts to Support Them

Introduction

In the bustling realm of modern education, a silent yet profound crisis is unfolding. The pressures of academic achievement, coupled with the demands of online life, are taking a significant toll on students' mental health. As we delve into the intricacies of this issue, it becomes clear that addressing mental health is not just a moral imperative but a crucial step towards fostering well-rounded, successful individuals. This article explores the mental health concerns affecting students, the various pressures they face, and the innovative initiatives being implemented to support their well-being.

The Pressures on Students

Students today are facing an array of challenges that go beyond traditional academic stress. The rise of social media has created an environment where constant comparison and competition can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The pressure to maintain a perfect online persona can be overwhelming, especially for those already struggling with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Moreover, the increasing expectations in education, including participation in extracurricular activities, can add layers of stress. As Kristen Roberts from the Miles Jeffrey Roberts Foundation (MJRF) notes, "High-achieving students often have to juggle multiple responsibilities, from AP classes to varsity sports, without always being given the space to acknowledge their emotional needs".

The Silent Struggle

The statistics are alarming. From 2016 to 2021, there was a 16 percent increase in students with significant symptoms of depression, and a 13 percent increase in anxiety. These numbers highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to support student mental health. The American Council on Education has advocated for a more preventive approach, leveraging faculty, staff, and students to bridge the gap in mental health care.

Innovative Initiatives: Supporting Student Mental Health

In response to these challenges, various initiatives are being launched to support student mental health. One such initiative is the MJRF Mental Health Champions program at Ann Arbor’s Skyline High School. This program, funded by the Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, aims to engage student athletes through trusted adults within the athletic department.

The program has already shown significant success. Since its inception in 2022, it has conducted 17 mental health presentations for 412 student athletes, with 12 students reaching out for additional mental health resources. The team behind the program includes Melissa Schmidt, the Skyline Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach, Andy Nalepa, the Skyline High School Psychologist, and Will Heininger, the U-M Depression Center Outreach and Education Coordinator. These champions, all with backgrounds in athletics, understand the unique pressures faced by student athletes and are working to break down the stigma associated with mental health discussions.

Heininger’s personal story of battling major depression and anxiety as a U-M student and football player is a powerful example of how shared experiences can help students understand their own mental health better. His desire to help high school student athletes navigate their mental health is deeply personal and reflects the broader mission of the MJRF.

The Daily Mile: Promoting Mental Health Through Physical Activity

Another initiative that is making waves in promoting mental health is The Daily Mile. This program encourages elementary school children to engage in a daily 15-minute run, walk, or jog during school hours. The Daily Mile is more than just a physical activity initiative; it provides social and emotional benefits that support early childhood mental health.

Studies have shown that physical activity can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in children. The Daily Mile Mood Meter helps kids identify and name their emotions, while the Journal of Joy promotes self-esteem by encouraging students to think about what makes them unique. By fostering a sense of community and encouraging positive relationships, The Daily Mile offers a holistic approach to mental health support.

Community-Led Initiatives: Breaking the Stigma

Community-led initiatives like the 500 Miles for Mental Health challenge are also playing a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting mental health support. This challenge encourages individuals to engage in various physical activities, from walking to cycling, to raise funds and promote mental health awareness. Grant winners from this initiative include schools that have launched programs to address mental health through outdoor games and activities, music appreciation, and STEM education.

Rolling Hills School in Alberta, for example, increased awareness around dealing with trauma through a film about PTSD. The school also launched The Book Collectors Club, which distributed books to grades 3-5 students to start conversations about mental health. These grassroots efforts not only raise awareness but also provide tangible support to students.

Conclusion

The mental health crisis among students is a multifaceted issue that demands comprehensive solutions. Initiatives like the MJRF Mental Health Champions program and The Daily Mile are pioneering new approaches to address this crisis. By engaging trusted adults, leveraging physical activity, and fostering community support, these programs are helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health discussions.

As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to support these innovative initiatives and advocate for a more proactive and preventive approach to student mental health. By doing so, we can ensure that our children grow into healthy, resilient individuals who are equipped to thrive in all aspects of life.

References

1. Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage. (2024). Program supporting student athletes' mental health aims to expand. Retrieved from https://www.secondwavemedia.com/concentrate/features/mentalhealthchampions0730.aspx

2. University of Denver. (2024). A Mindful Mile in a mental health crisis. Retrieved from https://duclarion.com/2024/09/a-mindful-mile-in-a-mental-health-crisis/

3. 500 Miles for Mental Health. (2023). Accomplishments. Retrieved from https://www.500milesformentalhealth.com/accomplishments

4. Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. (2022). Mental health outcomes of the Daily Mile in elementary school children. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35748760/

5. The Daily Mile. (n.d.). The Daily Mile supports early childhood mental health. Retrieved from https://www.thedailymile.us/blog/the-daily-mile-supports-early-childhood-mental-health/