Currently, Nevada is ranked 39th for mental services and 51st for youth mental health in the nation. This affects many Nevadans, especially students who struggle to find mental health services. This is a big deal as many who suffer take an unfortunate path to end their suffering. Today, this is even more prevalent, as we are living through a global pandemic that has impacted the lives of everyone. Many have lost their jobs, home, and lives. Students especially are having a difficult time with their education.

    Students have to not only live in a world full of hardships and harsh realities but continue to be successful at school. Mental health is critical for everyone and is the foundation of life. If we do not prioritize mental health then we see a cycle of pain and struggles that could have been prevented or helped. 

    Schools should provide sufficient mental health services for students AND teachers. There needs to be a proper school psychologist who is trained to handle mental health crises. Teachers are often neglected in the conversation of mental health, but they are the ones on the frontline and deserve priority as well.  Teachers have to be mentally stable to deal with crises brought on their job.  Teachers should have a safe place where they can vent and talk to someone about what they are going through. Being a teacher is not an easy job, it can become incredibly stressful and there just comes. Appoint where teachers can’t handle it and need a break.

We also should give professional mental health training to teachers so they can properly respond to mental health crises that may take in or out of class. This can help students feel like they are truly in a space where they are safe and can talk about anything. Above all this, this training will help teachers know how to handle their classrooms when a tragedy occurs, like the death of a student or teacher, or a school 

     At McQueen High school, teachers have no idea of what to do when something like this happens. And they have even admitted to it. This is upsetting and frustrating because the only things schools provide for the students to grieve are therapy dogs and snacks. These are nice thoughts, however, what students need are people whom they can confide in. I don’t believe it’s fair that teachers should be teaching students when they are also dealing with their emotions from the traumatic event.

Overall, mental health should be a priority at schools.