K-12 mental health, plainly explained

The MentalSpace School Journal

Research-grounded articles for school administrators, counselors, and educators — HB 268 compliance, universal screening, threat assessment, and what good school mental health looks like day-to-day.

Filtered: Teen & Youth

6 articles

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A mixed-race elementary-age child holds tightly to a parent's leg at a sunlit classroom doorway as a kind teacher kneels nearby with a warm reassuring expression — editorial documentary photo about separation anxiety in school-age childrenTeen & Youth

Separation Anxiety in School-Age Children: A Georgia District Guide

Separation anxiety disorder is not just a toddler issue. Learn the clinical signs in school-age children, why the drop-off problem persists, and how Georgia schools intervene.

May 17, 202610 min read
A young Latina elementary school girl in a bright morning hallway grips her mother's hand at a school entrance, anxious expression in early sunlight while a kind teacher kneels nearby — editorial documentary photo about school refusal anxiety in K-12 districtsTeen & Youth

School Refusal Anxiety: A Practical Playbook for Georgia Schools

School refusal anxiety drives chronic absenteeism. Learn the clinical signs, the difference from truancy, and how Georgia schools build evidence-based re-entry plans.

May 17, 202611 min read
A Black teenage boy sits alone on his bedroom floor at dusk holding his phone, with a quiet, withdrawn expression — editorial documentary photo about adolescent depression that hides behind irritability and silenceTeen & Youth

Adolescent Depression: Why It Looks Like Anger, Not Sadness

Adolescent Major Depression often presents as irritability, not sadness. Learn DSM-5 criteria, warning signs, suicide risk, and FDA-approved treatments for teen depression.

May 9, 202611 min read
A mixed-race girl around age 11 sits at a school desk with a pencil in hand, gazing out the classroom window with a daydreaming expression — editorial documentary photo about pediatric inattentive ADHDTeen & Youth

Pediatric ADHD, Inattentive Type: The Kids Who Get Missed

Pediatric ADHD Inattentive Type is the most under-diagnosed presentation, especially in girls and quiet kids. Learn the DSM-5 signs, evaluation process, and evidence-based treatments.

May 9, 202610 min read
A Black girl around age 10 sits at a school desk holding a pencil, looking down at her paper with a worried, focused expression — editorial documentary photo about childhood generalized anxiety and academic stressTeen & Youth

Childhood Generalized Anxiety: Signs at School and What Helps

Childhood Generalized Anxiety Disorder shows up as stomachaches, perfectionism, sleep issues, and reassurance-seeking. Learn the signs and treatments that actually work for K-12 students.

May 9, 20269 min read
A diverse mixed-race teen girl sitting alone by a window at dusk, contemplative warm expression, soft golden light through curtains, in a quiet introspective moment — editorial documentary photo about quiet teen mental health warning signsTeen & Youth

The Quiet Warning Signs Before a Teen Mental Health Crisis

Teen mental health warning signs — the quiet signals parents and educators often miss in the weeks before a crisis. What to watch for and what to do.

May 8, 202610 min read
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