Mental health is an issue that should be taken seriously, especially for students. The Choate School, a co-educational boarding school located in Wallingford, Connecticut, is aware of the importance and provides adequate treatment to its students.
Mental illness is often stigmatized, and many students may choose to mask their struggles to avoid being labeled as “crazy.” However, mental illnesses like anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder can interfere with normal daily activities and affect academic performance. According to recent statistics, one in five people in the US ages 13-18 experiences a severe mental disorder at some point in their life. This rate is said to be even higher among boarding school students due to the social and academic pressures associated with such institutions.
Recognizing this, Choate School has established strong support systems and resources for its students. The school’s health center is staffed with a team of professionals, including a psychiatrist and a licensed clinical social worker. The team offers a range of services, including counseling, medication management, and individual therapy. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these services and seek treatment if they feel the need to.
Furthermore, Choate School provides mental health education to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and create a safe environment for students who may be struggling. The school also has a robust wellness program that includes mindfulness training, meditation, yoga, and other stress-reducing activities.
One of the most significant benefits of Choate’s mental health program is the partnership with the Yale Child Study Center. The partnership provides students with access to the latest research and therapies in the field, including virtual reality therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Students who require more specialized treatment can be referred to the center’s professionals.
In conclusion, Choate School recognizes that mental health is as important as physical health, and its resources are readily available to help students who may be struggling. The school’s approach prioritizes creating a safe environment to fight the stigma surrounding mental health and providing comprehensive support to help students overcome their struggles. Mental health education and wellness programs further enhance the effectiveness of this approach. By prioritizing mental health, Choate School is helping to develop a generation of healthy and resilient young people.
