One of the most pressing post-pandemic problems in the nation is the teen mental health crisis, and some Chester County schools are stepping up in dealing with it, writes J.F. Pirro for Main Line Today. 

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that over four in 10 high school students reported feeling “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.” Additionally, the suicide rate jumped by nearly 60 percent in 2018. 

The situation is especially dire for students who attend treatment for mental health issues for a longer period. 

To combat these statistics, West Chester and Downingtown schools have made some significant changes. Both districts have hired teams of professionals who are in charge of easing students back into the classroom after they complete their treatment. 

They are called prevention specialists in Downingtown, and there are around 13 district-wide currently. 

“Parents need to ask the hard questions,” said Theresa Agostinelli, who teaches in Immaculata University’s psychology department. “Your kid might not answer right away, but eventually, he’ll soften.” 

Read more about the teen mental health crisis in Main Line Today

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