Simpson students presented research to the Indianola School Board during a work session earlier this year, detailing mental health literacy. Ava Carnes and Jack Campbell presented to the board findings about the rise in mental health issues in adolescents over the last several years, and inadequacies in treatment options for the students. Carnes said one of the findings from the research was not trying to educate young kids on depression or other mental health disorders, it is the small everyday things you can do with younger students to help them be more expressive and aware of their emotions.

“It’s not showing second graders the difference between major depressive disorder and bipolar depressive disorder. It’s asking how they are feeling today, or things that they are thankful for. Or tips and tricks they have for calming down in a situation.”

The presentation also outlined a better student-to-counselor ratio, and further professional development for teachers and staff. Hear more on today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.