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Recent survey results from Concord Middle School and Concord-Carlisle High School offer both hope and concern for student mental health, revealing positive trends alongside troubling data that underscores the ongoing struggles faced by some students. The findings, presented at a School Committee meeting in October, showed a decrease in school-related stress and suicidal ideation among students, but highlighted an alarming rise in suicide attempts that required medical attention.
The Concord Bridge reported that the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted in collaboration with Emerson Hospital, gathered anonymous responses from students in grades 6, 8, and high school across 11 districts. The survey covers a wide range of topics, including cellphone use and mental health, with an emphasis on issues such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
While there were some encouraging developments, such as fewer students reporting high levels of school-related stress compared to 2022, and a decline in the number of students without a trusted adult to turn to at school, the more troubling data still cast a long shadow. Most notably, students at Concord-Carlisle High School reported attempting suicide at a higher rate than their peers in other districts, and more of these attempts required medical intervention.
CCHS Guidance Department Chair Alison Nowicki acknowledged the difficulty in explaining this discrepancy, admitting that it remains a complex issue without clear solutions. "We don’t really have an answer for that one," she said, urging continued efforts to engage students and encourage them to ask for help when needed.
For school officials, these findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health resources and support systems. Despite the positive trends in some areas, Superintendent Laurie Hunter emphasized the need for deeper investigation into the factors contributing to suicide attempts among students. “Every student is on our minds all the time,” she said, reflecting the school's commitment to addressing these critical issues.
The survey results have also sparked discussions about academic stress and its impact on mental health. Carrie Rankin, chair of the Concord School Committee, highlighted the role that mental well-being plays in students' ability to learn, stressing that emotional health is essential for academic success. “You have to be emotionally well to be able to learn,” Rankin noted, reinforcing the district’s focus on fostering a supportive environment for students.
The mixed results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey have prompted Concord school officials to take a closer look at their current approach to student mental health. While progress has been made in certain areas, the alarming rise in suicide attempts has underscored the need for further action. As the district continues to focus on mental health as a key priority, it is clear that the work ahead will require a collaborative effort, deep reflection, and a commitment to creating an environment where students can not only succeed academically but also thrive emotionally.
If you or your loved one are struggling with your mental health or an addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery to receive the help you deserve. We will provide you with a supportive and professional recovery community who will be with you every step of the way to sobriety and emotional health. Join the thousands of our grateful alumni whose lives have transformed. Contact us today to begin your journey to the happy, healthy and addiction-free future of your dreams.