I have the entire outline/speech written but I did have Chat GPT write a lot of it. I need it reworded so that the Turnitin software doesn’t detect AI. This is a persuasive speech based on Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. The part about being a nurse and being in teacher cadet is accurate and I want that included.
Addressing the Crisis: The Urgent
Need for Enhanced Mental Health Resources in Schools
Specific
Purpose: The specific purpose of this speech is to persuade the audience to recognize
the urgent need for increased mental health resources in schools and to take
action to support the implementation of comprehensive mental health promotion
programs within educational institutions.
Central
Idea: The central idea of this speech is that investing in mental health
resources in schools is essential for promoting the well-being and academic
success of students. By addressing the inadequacies in current mental health
practices and implementing evidence-based interventions, we can create
supportive and inclusive school environments that prioritize the mental health
needs of every student.
Introduction
A.
(Gain
the audience’s attention) Good afternoon. I would like for you to imagine for a
moment that you’re back in school. The halls are bustling with energy, the
classrooms are filled with laughter and chatter, and the promise of endless
possibilities hangs in the air. But amidst this seemingly picturesque scene,
there is a dark reality lurking just beneath the surface. Behind closed doors
and masked smiles, a silent epidemic is sweeping through our schools- a crisis
that’s often overlooked, misunderstood, and brushed aside. Today, I invite you
to look beneath the normalcy and confront the uncomfortable truth: our youth
are silently struggling, their mental health hanging in the balance.
B.
(Reveal
Topic) I’m standing before you today to shine a light on the silent struggles
of our youth, to uncover the harsh reality that plagues our educational
institutions. According to recent studies, one in five adolescents in the
United States battles a diagnosable mental health disorder such as anxiety,
depression, PTSD, etc. This is a harsh reality faced by our students every
single day. As we delve deeper into this topic, it becomes abundantly clear
that our schools are in desperate need of a lifeline- a lifeline that starts
with prioritizing mental health resources and support systems.
C.
(Establishing
Credibilty) As a nurse with firsthand experience in the healthcare field, I’ve
witnessed the profound impact that mental health struggles can have on
individuals of all ages. But my connection to this issue runs even deeper.
Throughout all four years of high school, I was deeply involved in Teacher
Cadet, a class that provided me with the opportunity to serve as an assistant
teacher to K-6th graders. During this time, I witnessed the
challenges that young students face firsthand, from academic pressures to
social anxieties. It’s this unique blend of clinical expertise and firsthand
experience in the educational setting that drives this passion to advocate for
increased mental health resources in our schools.
I.
Attention
Step:
D.
First
and foremost, let’s acknowledge the gravity of the situation. According to a
comprehensive study conducted by Ormiston and her colleagues, educators across
the nation have voiced their concerns regarding the inadequacy of mental health
resources and practices in schools. Teachers and staff members are witnessing
firsthand the toll that mental health issues are taking on our students, yet they
often feel ill-equipped to address these concerns and challenges effectively.
The consequences of neglecting this issue are profound, affecting not only
academic performance but also the overall well-being and future prospects of
our youth.
Body
I.
Need
Step:
A.
The
need for enhanced mental health resources in schools becomes even more evident
when we consider the staggering statistics surrounding adolescent mental
health. Research conducted by Kaluzeviciute et al. highlights the significance
of school culture in shaping student mental health outcomes. Our educational
environments play a pivotal role in the emotional and psychological development
of young minds. However, without proper support systems in place, many students
are left to navigate the complexities of mental illness alone, leading to
feelings of isolation, despair, and in some tragic cases, self-harm, drug use,
or suicide.
B.
Moreover,
studies by Garcia-Carrion et al. underscores the effectiveness of
interaction-based interventions in schools and communities. By fostering a
supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued and understood,
we can mitigate the negative effects of mental health issues and promote
resilience among our youth. Yet, achieving this vision requires a concerted
effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, parents, and
community leaders.
(Transition)
Now you may be wondering: What concrete steps can we take to address this
crisis?
II.
Satisfaction
Step:
A.
The
answer lies in implementing comprehensive mental health promotion programs
within our schools. Santre’s research emphasizes the importance of early
intervention and prevention strategies in promoting adolescent mental health.
By integrating evidence-based practices such as counseling, psychoeducation,
and peer support initiatives into the curriculum, we can equip students with
the coping skills and resources they need to navigate life’s challenges
successfully.
B.
Furthermore,
Ritcheer et al.’s scoping review highlights the factors that influence the
implementation of school-based mental health services. From adequate funding
and staffing to professional development and collaboration with community
partners, there are numerous considerations to take into account when designing
and implementing these programs. However, with the right support and commitment
from all stakeholders, we can overcome these challenges and create a school
environment that prioritizes the well-being of every student.
III.
Visualization
Step:
A.
Imagine
a school where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek help when
they’re struggling. Picture classrooms buzzing with positive energy, where open
discussions about mental health are welcomed and encouraged. Where classmates
and teachers support one another and validate each other’s feelings. Envision a
future where every child has access to the resources and support they need to
thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This vision is within our
reach, but it requires bold action and unwavering commitment from each and
every one of us.
IV.
Action
Step:
A.
Therefore,
I urge you to join me in advocating for increased investment in mental health
resources in our schools. Contact your local representatives, school administrators,
and policymakers to demand action on this critical issue. Support initiatives
that prioritize student well-being and mental health literacy. Together we can
build a brighter future for our children- one where mental health is valued as
highly as their academic achievements.
Conclusion:
I.
(Summary
of Main Points) In summary, the evidence presented by Ormiston, Kaluzeviciute,
Garcia-Carrion, Santre, and Richter underscores the urgent need for enhanced
mental health resources in our schools. From the concerns voiced by educators
to the staggering statistics surrounding adolescent mental health, it’s clear
that we cannot afford to ignore this crisis any longer
II.
(Statement
of Personal Interest) As someone deeply invested in the well-being of our
youth, I am passionate about advocating for increased mental health resources
in schools. My experiences as a nurse and as a participant in Teacher Cadet
have provided me with a unique perspective on the challenges our students face
and the critical importance of addressing mental health issues early and
effectively.
III.
(Call
to Action) Therefore, I urge you to join me in this vital mission. Let us raise
our voices in advocacy, championing policies that prioritize mental health in
our schools. Let us support initiatives that promote mental health literacy and
destigmatize seeking help for mental health issues. Together, we can create a
future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
IV.
(Vivid
Ending) As we reflect on this topic, let us not forget the power we hold to
shape the future. By investing in mental health resources in schools, we are
not only investing in the well-being of our children but also the prosperity of
our society as a whole. So, let us go forward with determination and
compassion, knowing that the path we pave today will lead to a brighter
tomorrow for generations to come. Thank you.
Works Cited
1. Ormiston, Heather E., et al. “Educator Perspectives on
Mental Health Resources and Practices in Their School.” Psychology in the Schools, vol. 58, no. 11, Nov. 2021,
pp. 2148–74. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22582.
2. Kaluzeviciute, Greta, et al. “Participatory Action
Research on School Culture and Student Mental Health: A Study Protocol.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Oct.
2021, pp. 1–13. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069211047753.
3.
García-Carrión, Rocío et al. “Children and
Adolescents Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Interaction-Based
Interventions in Schools and Communities.” Frontiers in psychology vol.
10 918. 24 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00918
4.
Santre S. Mental Health Promotion in
Adolescents. Journal of Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental
Health. 2022;18(2):122-127. doi:10.1177/09731342221120709
5.
Richter, Anne et al. “Implementing School-Based
Mental Health Services: A Scoping Review of the Literature Summarizing the
Factors That Affect Implementation.” International journal of
environmental research and public health vol. 19,6 3489. 15 Mar. 2022,
doi:10.3390/ijerph19063489