Lee County Schools

There is no single cause for mental health problems. A number of factors can contribute to the risk of mental illness, such as

• Adverse Childhood Experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
• Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
• Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Having feelings of loneliness or isolation

Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in America experience mental illness each year, and 1 in 5 children ages 13–18 have, or will develop a serious mental illness.

There are many different types of mental illness, but some of the most common types are depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and eating disorders.

We can all suffer from mental health challenges, but developing our well-being, resilience, and seeking help early can help prevent challenges becoming serious. 

• Providing a positive classroom learning environment.
• Counselors provide classroom lessons on social-emotional learning, character education, peer relationships, and healthy coping skills.
• Schools have a suicide protocol and crisis intervention plan to address students who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Counselor check-ins with students.
• Mental Health Services Coordinator to coordinate the mental health services and initiatives available to our students and their families. 
• School Based Mental Health Services provides individual therapy to students at their local school as a part of their school day.