Maine educators work to address increase in student stress and anxiety

By Terry Stackhouse

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    BRUNSWICK, Maine (WMTW) — An October survey of school counselors in Maine shows a dramatic increase in stress and anxiety among students.

The results, released by the Maine School Counselor Association, shows 85.6% of respondents report seeing an increase in behavior-related challenges in students as well as increased stress and anxiety.

“I’ve seen an increase in behaviors such as just compliance and following directions because obviously home and school can be very different,” said Carmon Parker, an elementary special education teacher at Brunswick’s Harriet Beecher Stowe School.

Parker, heralded for her work by peers, is sharing her tools for success as education leaders aim to address increased demand for mental health and behavioral support services for students adjusting to full classroom learning.

Respondents of the Maine School Counselor Association common trends in the poll were that some students have less stamina and endurance for the school day and a lower attention span, need more help with relationships: both with peers and with adults, seem burnt out earlier than previous years, seem less resilient and struggle with self-regulation.

“I think that building relationships and having a positive relationship with a student is the most important thing and you will get nowhere with any child if you don’t have that,” Parker said.

At the height of the pandemic, Parker spoke with students and families remotely to practice exercises such as mindfulness.

She also went on excursions with families skiing, fishing and hiking.

Last year, Parker applied for and received a grant which allowed her to order calming sensory items for her classroom.

“I think that is just showing how this fall it has been a little bit more difficult to try and get back to our normal level of education,” said Kelly Weaver, a Hampden school counselor who also services as Board Chair for the Maine School Counselor Association.

The Maine Department of Education is also working to address increased needs by creating online social and emotional learning modules called SEL4ME.

“It is really best practices in how teachers are engaging kids and building relationships and really teaching us how to have relationships and be good human beings,” said Bear Shea, a mental health & school counselor specialist with the Maine Department of Education.

Parker’s strategies are considered successful by her students.

“Not many people get to have fun like in our classroom so we’re very special to be in Ms. Parker’s classroom,” said Madison, one of her students.

Structure and routine are helpful but parker says the connection with students comes first.

“Until that trust is there and the connections are made,” Parker said.

When reached for comment, the Maine Principals’ Association also said they’re seeing an increase in students accessing mental health support statewide.

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