Mental Health Concerns on the Rise: What Can K–12 and Higher Education Do?

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

Mental health issues have been on the rise since the early 2000s, and the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated those already climbing numbers. Racism and inequality also play contributing factors in this growing issue. While 50% of all mental health issues present before the age of 14 and 75% by age 24, schools and higher ed institutions are understaffed and unable to support our students. Untruths and perceived stigma cause solving this problem to seem insurmountable. What can K-12 and higher education do to transform the current environment and solve this systematic problem?

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Venus E. Evans-Winters, The Ohio State University

Discussant

• Amber D. Dumford, University of South Florida - Tampa

Panelists

• Kaz Nelson, University of Minnesota

• Michelle F. Trotman Scott, University of West Georgia

• Samantha Reaves, University of Maryland School of Medicine

• Sarah Hansen, University of Iowa