Mental health has always hit close to home for me. Growing up, I watched my dad battle bipolar and borderline personality disorders. It wasn’t easy. Seeing what he went through, and what we went through as a family, taught me how real and serious mental health struggles are. Supporting him made me realize how important it is for people to have access to help, especially in places like schools where stress and pressure are part of everyday life.

That’s why I started this petition. I believe every school district should be required to provide free and accessible mental health resources like counselors and psychiatrists for both students and teachers.

Did you know that 64% of college students who drop out say mental health was the main reason? And 59% of teachers say they’re burned out, with more than half of those leaving the profession way earlier than they planned. These numbers are more than just stats. They represent real people who needed help and didn’t get it!

School is supposed to be a safe space, but right now, we’re failing the people who spend the most time there. If we had real mental health support in schools—people trained to listen, to help, to step in when things get tough—I truly believe we’d see fewer dropouts, fewer burned-out teachers, and a lot more people feeling like they’re not alone.

Battling mental illness also comes with a stigma that you're less than. Making mental health care a priority in schools also helps break that mentality. It tells students and teachers that it’s okay to not be okay, and we’re here for you.

So I’m asking you to join me. Sign this petition and help push for change. Let’s make sure our schools support all of us—mind and body.