Panama City, FL (WMBB) — Mental health is an issue being addressed nationwide. This is also a problem within schools in the Bay District. School districts are doing all they can to help, but more resources are needed.

School officials in the Bay District said there was a crisis among students with mental health problems.

“Mental health is at an all-time high,” said school safety coordinator Vernon Barth.

Between isolation from the pandemic and the hardships of Hurricane Michael, local students had to deal with many issues. On the one hand, there are not enough resources to deal with this problem.

School officials say that when students are sent to mental health facilities, they are sometimes turned down because they don’t have enough beds or people.

“We don’t have enough facilities and resources for mental health professionals to meet the enormous mental health needs,” says Barth. “Some of these students need more than what these schools can offer and what some areas can offer.”

They have not received the help they need, but district officials say they are working to resolve the issue.

“We work very hard to train all our staff and try to support them as best we can,” says Barth.

Students can suffer if they do not receive proper counseling.

“Many students who are emotionally unprepared to handle attempts in difficult situations lash out verbally or physically,” Baas explained.

Students may be struggling, but Arnold Principals Britt Smith and Barth said parents and guardians need to get involved.

“Parents want the best for their children, so whenever they have a chance to find out what is going on with these services or how it can help their child, they start opening up,” says Smith. said.

When children are contacted that they need mental health evaluation or support, they want parents and caregivers to understand that they can make a difference.