Darien Schools Looks Towards The Future In Addressing Mental Health

DARIEN, CT — In addressing mental health around the district, Darien Public Schools is beginning to look towards the future to support students and faculty.

Superintendent of DPS Dr. Alan Addley on Tuesday gave an update on what school officials are doing in the area of mental health and wellness. The topic has come to the forefront since last school year after three students died unexpectededly — two due to suicide.

Since last spring, the school district has been in a postvention phase, which serves as a way to provide an organized response in an aftermath of a suicide to facilitate the healing of those affected, and mitigate other negative affects of exposure to suicide, according to theSuicide Prevention Resource Center.

"We've been meeting with high school administration. We've had several meetings including with the Child Guidance [Of Southern Connecticut] clinicians to look ahead to the future here a little bit, particularly looking at some of the things that will happen in the spring; anniversaries of some of the sad events that took place, proms, graduations — these types of events to make sure we have an appropriate plan in place for those," Addley said.

The school district is also looking to offer a presentation from survivors for young people next summer, along with a walk at the high school for staff, students and the community to support each other.

A similar walk sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was held this past weekend in Westport, and members of the Darien community participated.

"With these clinicians, we've been talking about areas of mental health programming at the high school for our students," Addley told the board. "There's a potential you'll see some of that come through the budget process as it's developed."

Additionally, the district administration will begin interviews soon to fill the newly-created director of mental health position, which was approved by the board of education in late September.

Overall, Addley said he feels the school district is making progress in the area of addressing mental health needs.

"One of the big takeaways for myself professionally, is this is just not a linear process as we move through it. It's a difficult process, it's not straightforward," Addley said. "I'm greatly appreciative of the clinicians who are serving us and working for our staff. It's just been tremendously helpful."

Addley acknowledged that students around the district are at different places in the healing process following the events of the last school year.

"I think some of our students need a bit of help, but there are students who are ready to move on and take the next step," he said.

High school student and representative to the board of education, Swaha Chakraborty, said things are "going a lot more smoothly" for students as opposed to the end of the 2022 school year.

"I think it's definitely different to some extent. There's a change and there's more openness to talk about certain subjects that students and teachers have noticed," Chakraborty said. "I wouldn't say we're necessarily past the postvention phase. I know quite a few students who are still mourning those who have passed, and who still from time to time need to take a break from school. It's definitely a slower journey."

Addley noted that there is a webpage dedicated to mental health resources on the school district website, which will be updated with useful information on events and what the district is doing for families, students and staff.