Local schools increase access to mental health resources as new year begins

With many students heading back to school, it can often be a stressful time. But local mental health experts are saying they’re here with resources available.

Students can experience a variety of stressors when going back to school whether it be time management, interpersonal struggles or the uncertainties of going into a new school year.

But at Ohio County Schools, counselors recommend a variety of tips like creating a schedule to help ease back into the new year.

“Make sure you have time in the evenings to dedicate to your school that helps you not get overwhelmed,” Jennifer Short, head of the Wheeling Park High School counseling department, said. “That helps you stay on track and helps avoid less stress in your life.”

At Wheeling Park, there are several resources for students – from a zen den to help relax to therapy dog Parker.

The high school also has a mental health counselor who can help students identify what their coping skills might be.

Whether it’s meditation, journaling or another strategy, making a good routine is important and staying organized can be helpful when it comes to stress.

“As people, we need predictability in our lives and school gives a person predictability,” Wheeling Park mental health counselor Jill Maloney said. “They’re going to have a schedule and work through the schedule, which I think can really help a person with stress and anxiety.”

Marshall County Schools Superintendent Shelby Haines said they have open houses to help get kids familiar with staff. But they also were able to hire additional counselors thanks to a levy.

“Every elementary school, every high school, every middle school; they have access to counselors throughout the day every day,” Haines said. “And then also we pay for social workers out of the levy to see our students who need some kind of support.”

As students return to the classroom, it’s important for them to know that their teachers and staff members are always available to help.

“Up here at Wheeling Park, I think it’s very important if you get overwhelmed to reach out and ask for help,” Maloney said. “We have tons of resources in this school, and we have all kinds of people that really want to help and that’s what’s more important.”

“Everyone here in Marshall County is excited to see students back in the classroom and back in school and I hope that everyone realizes if they have any questions or concerns all they have to do is ask a teacher, counselor, or principal,” Haines said.