GUEST BLOG BY Jackie Simmons | You Can’t Tell by Looking
This guest post was written by Jackie Simmons, Founder of the Suicide Prevention Society.
“We imagine a world where suicide is a thing of the past.”
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH: FROM REACTION TO PREVENTION
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced educational settings, educators face a growing challenge that goes beyond mere academics: the mental and emotional well-being of their students. Classrooms are becoming microcosms of the larger world, reflecting increased anxiety, stress, and isolation among students. As a lifelong educator with experience from Kindergarten through post-secondary, and entrepreneur whose focus is on emotional health for children and youth, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for proactive strategies in emotional education.
GUEST BLOG BY ANGELA LEGH | Unraveling the Epidemic of Loneliness: A Call for Real Connection in a Digital Age
We must acknowledge the detrimental impact of social media and the lack of emotional literacy among today’s youth. Loneliness can stem from the craving for external validation, where one’s sense of self-worth depends on how others perceive them. This notion manifests in believing that “I am good only if you see me as good.”
If a teen’s need for validation goes unfulfilled, the teen may experience heightened feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and even depression. This reliance on external validation from social media can perpetuate a cycle of seeking approval from others rather than fostering genuine self-confidence and inner validation. As a result, the teen may struggle to develop authentic relationships and find themselves increasingly disconnected from their true selves and those around them.