Frisco ISD tackles youth mental health crisis

Frisco, Texas - Frisco Independent School District students are provided with various strategies and resources to foster healthy emotional habits.

Stephanie Cook, the FISD's leading authority in guidance and counseling, stated that there has been a decline in the total number of students suffering from depression and anxiety within the district. However, she emphasized, "Our hospitalization numbers, though, have doubled because for those that are experiencing that, it's more acute than it was before the pandemic.”

FISD's approach to monitoring the mental health of its students involves deploying anonymous surveys across the district, Cook explained. These surveys, completed by the majority of students, incorporate all the diagnostic criteria for depression and anxiety. "Then it asks questions about each one of those diagnostic criteria, and then it's spread throughout the survey," added Cook.

The results of these surveys provide insight into the levels of depression and anxiety within specific grades or campuses. Cook explains, “Within that survey, they have taken all the diagnostic criteria for depression and all the diagnostic criteria for anxiety.” The data is then utilized to design and incorporate lessons that help students manage potential emotional stressors.

Cook points out, “While we are similar across Frisco, we're very unique on some of our campuses,” indicating the district's flexible and responsive approach to addressing the distinct needs of different campuses.

In a broader context, Texas ranked 36th nationwide in suicide mortality rates in 2020. According to Dallas Metro News, a report by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission reveals an unsettling trend of increased suicide rates since 2000, particularly among younger demographics. “Where there maybe had been suicidal ideation [before the pandemic], now there are attempts,” warns Cook.

The district has made substantial progress in providing mental health support to students, Cook said. Innovative methods such as QR codes for immediate counseling appointments or apps for immediate reporting of concerning behavior are some of the resources available to students.

In addition to these measures, partnerships have been established with local organizations to provide students with necessities such as clothing or gift cards. "We're thankful for the community members, the community businesses, the community that's willing to support our students and our teachers and our campuses," said Korinna Kirchhoff, FISD Assistant Director of Communications.

Frisco's Mayor, Jeff Cheney, declared May as the city's official Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the role of community in mental health support. "Each citizen and local business, school, government agent, health care provider and faith-based organization shares the burden of mental health concerns and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness recovery and support prevention efforts,” stated Cheney.

For further details about FISD's guidance and counseling services, please visit their official website.