Shrewsbury Schools Address Mental Health Issues 'More Than Others'

Shrewsbury school officials are attempting to address problems such as anxiety and depression in a response to the significant increase in mental health issues among students, said the Boston Globe.

School Committee Chairwoman Erin Canzano told the Globe, “It became even more evident during this school year that children are dealing with more significant mental illnesses than ever before."

Since there are no state guidelines helping to define mental health for schools, Shrewsbury, and other districts, are finding a way to address it. An approach often used, reported the Globe, is the wraparound support approach, where professionals who get to know the schools can be called upon for support.

Though struggling with finances, Shrewsbury is reportedly "doing more than most" to address the mental health issues that arise. Melissa Maguire, director of special education and pupil personnel for Shrewsbury schools, told the Globe that the real increase in mental health issues started to show in 2010.