By Shelby Siegfried
for the Register
As mental health issues become increasingly prevalent among youth, Bishop Neumann Junior and Senior High School in Wahoo is intensifying its efforts to provide comprehensive mental health support, blending professional resources with faith-based care to address the multifaceted needs of its students.
Missy Chvatal, the school’s guidance counselor, pointed out the alarming statistics that underscore the need for robust mental health initiatives.
“According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five children ages 13-18 are affected by serious mental illness,” she said. “With suicide being the third leading cause of death for youths aged 10 to 24, the urgency to address mental health is undeniable.”
Chvatal elaborated on the common mental health challenges faced by students, including anxiety disorders, depression, and self-harm. She stresses the importance of parental awareness in identifying issues.
“Parents know their children best. Signs like a sudden drop in academic performance, severe mood swings, or changes in sleep patterns could indicate mental health concerns,” she said. “Resources like schools, family doctors, and crisis helplines are crucial. The availability of these diverse and accessible mental health resources within the Wahoo community represents a significant advancement in making mental health care more approachable and reducing stigma.”
In response to the mental health crisis, Bishop Neumann has implemented several programs, collaborating with organizations such as the Youth Assistance Program (YAP), Nebraska Mental Health Centers, and Saunders Medical Center and Behavioral Health. The collaborations provide critical services, from counseling for various mental health issues to psychological assessments.
Chvatal said partnering with local resources offers a great opportunity for rural communities to expand resources for students.
“When a parent has to drive their child 30 minutes or more to an appointment, which can mean more time off work and more expense, they are more likely to put off counseling appointments,” she explained. “Having those mental health services within the school or five minutes away is much more convenient. Some communities may only have one source of help, so having multiple agencies and providers allows families to find the best fit.”
Chvatal mentioned the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center in Lincoln as a resource for the diocese; it offers telehealth services. In addition, Behavioral Health Regions created by the legislature provides support to schools across the state.
The School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP) program at Neumann, facilitated by Sister Janelle Buettner, assistant principal, fosters partnerships to support students’ behavioral and emotional health. The program complements the school’s academic mission by addressing mental and emotional barriers to learning.
“Children spend eight hours a day in school, and as educators, we have a responsibility to assist parents in their child’s education and overall development,” Sister Janelle said, emphasizing the importance of partnership with parents in ensuring the success of their children.
Reflecting on her extensive experience in education, she observed, “We have seen a rise in anxiety and other diagnosable disorders among students, which can significantly hinder their ability to learn.”
She cited the influence of social media, constant news exposure, and global unrest as factors contributing to the increased challenges.
“These external factors, coupled with potential anxiety at home, can profoundly impact a child’s mental state, affecting their learning and behavior in school. Recognizing when a child is too anxious to learn, or too depressed to attend school is vital.”
She also encouraged parents to actively engage with the school when they notice their children struggling.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out to school administrators and counselors,” she advised. “We have resources and are committed to working in partnership with parents for the well-being of their children.”
The school’s unique Catholic identity offers an additional dimension of support. Campus Minister Gery Kenney highlighted the spiritual support available to students.
“As a Catholic school, we are blessed with not only mental health strategies that our students can learn and implement, but we can also ‘tap’ into the greatest healer, Jesus Christ. When students have a problem, we are able to pray with them, talk about their relationship with Christ, and help them work through their problems in prayer,” Kenney added. “We are also blessed to have many priests and religious right in the building that we can call upon as an extra team of people that can pray over our students and help them work through problems.
“Our greatest gift is having the Blessed Sacrament right in the building. Students can find so much peace and healing in front of Our Lord present every day in our chapel.”
Chvatal emphasized the significance of the increased resources, noting that the presence in the community reinforces the importance of mental health care. She believes the enhancement in support not only serves to diminish the stigma often associated with seeking help, but also conveys a reassuring message to the community. She said it assures individuals their struggles are acknowledged, their needs are understood, and it’s perfectly acceptable to seek assistance.
“We need to take care of our mental health as much as we take care of our physical health,” Chvatal said. “As parents, we take our children to a doctor on a regular basis for wellness checks or when they are sick. It would be so beneficial to our children’s long term health if we can teach them to look at their mental health in the same way.”
If your child is experiencing mental health challenges, the following resources are available:
Nebraska Family Helpline: (888) 866-8660
Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center:
(402) 489-1834
National Crisis Hotline:
Dial 988
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
