Journal of Educational Leadership in Action, Volume 10, Issue 1, Full Issue

Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes their abilities and can cope with the normal stresses of life (Bohare & Tiwari, 2020).These individuals are productive in their work, life, and communities.These people can manage their mental health challenges which can range from high to low (MHFA, 2020).Research is showing a growing need for expanding mental health support in K-12 schools.Schools are in a unique position to address today's mental health crisis among members of the education community.(Mcluckie et al., 2014; National Association of School Psychologists, 2015;Ormiston et al., 2021).In a study of 180 school teachers, nearly 50% scored about the threshold for depression and correlated their mental health to the demands of their job (Borrelli, et al, 2014).Poor mental health in educators is associated with high job demands and low support.Longitudinal research has indicated that educators struggle with burnout, alcohol consumption, and depressive symptoms (Schonfeld et al., 2017).Early intervention strategies and awareness education can prevent mental health symptoms from getting worse even before the individual needs to seek professional treatment (MHFA, 2020).health challenges (MHFA, 2020).However, in a study of 180 school teachers, nearly 50% scored about the threshold for depression and correlated their mental health to the demands of their job (Borrelli, et al, 2014).Longitudinal studies have revealed that educators often face challenges such as burnout, alcohol consumption, and depressive symptoms (Schonfeld et al., 2017).Implementing early intervention strategies and awareness education can help mitigate the worsening of mental health symptoms before professional treatment becomes necessary (MHFA, 2020).As more research related to mental health and education begins to emerge, it is essential that these conversations become amplified, and an emphasis placed on school leaders to look for ways to support the mental health and wellbeing of educators.Studies show that with proper care and treatment, people with mental health challenges can improve their condition and recover (MHFA, 2020).As we enter a post-COVID-19 world, and work with educators who struggle with mental health challenges, school leaders can learn ways to support teachers and principals with early intervention techniques.