The Power of Connection: Closing Mental Health Month with Purpose

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, School Social Workers remain deeply committed to the year-round work of supporting student mental health and well-being. The SSWAA National School Social Work Practice Model 2.0 places student well-being at the heart of our profession. Surrounding this central focus are four key focus areas: academics, school climate, mental health, and social and emotional well-being. These guideposts define our daily impact and our long-term mission.

The CDC’s recent report, Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools: An Action Guide for School and District Leaders, reinforces the critical role of schools—and school leaders—in building mental health-supportive environments. School Social Workers ARE those leaders.

What Does This Work Look Like in Practice?

School Social Workers:

• Challenge stigma and promote open attitudes about mental health

• Teach coping skills and provide mental health education

• Make mental health resources visible and accessible in schools

• Deliver direct interventions and individual or group supports

• Connect students and families to community resources

• Address cultural and systemic barriers to seeking help

• Serve as safe, trusted adults for students

• Train and consult with school staff to build a supportive culture

• Highlight available treatment options, fostering hope and help-seeking

  
  

We don’t do this work in isolation. At its core, school social work is grounded in relationships—the bridges we build between home, school, and community. As we focus on connection, we pay particular attention to students who are most at risk of disconnection: youth experiencing racism, those from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ youth. The CDC report emphasizes that fostering school connectedness for these students is essential to improving outcomes and promoting equity.

Some of the ways School Social Workers promote connection include:

• Engaging families in school events and policy discussions

• Supporting staff in trauma-informed and relational practices

• Facilitating two-way communication between home and school

• Leading peer support programs and restorative practices

• Advocating for inclusive, healing-centered discipline reforms

  
  

We show up. We connect. We care.

But Let’s Be Honest—This Work Is Hard.

Vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout are real. We spend the school year holding space for others, navigating crisis after crisis, and advocating for systems-level change. As summer approaches, it’s essential that we apply the same lens of connection and care to ourselves.

How Might You Center Connection This Summer?

• Reconnect with an old friend or a mentor over coffee

• Start or join a virtual or local book club with colleagues

• Explore a fitness class or community walking group

• Schedule intentional screen-free time with family or friends

• Attend a professional retreat, healing circle, or wellness event

• Volunteer with a cause that energizes you outside of school

• Practice mindfulness, journaling, or nature-based reflection

• Take one completely unplugged day for rest and restoration

  
  

Connections matter—for students, for families, and for us.

This summer, let’s recharge with purpose. Let’s invest in our own well-being, deepen our personal connections, and return ready to keep making a difference.

RESOURCES:

SSWAA Summer Symposium - An event focused on mental health well-being

SSWAA School Social Work National Practice Model 2.0

CDC Report: Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools: An Action Guide for School and District Leaders

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This content has been enhanced using AI.  Content has been reviewed by and edited by SSWAA staff and/or committee members.