Design for Wellness - Hoffman

by Jody Andres AIA LEED AP

An increasing number of students are struggling with mental health issues. Students who are facing or have been affected by trauma or who have persistent physical and emotional challenges can benefit from a space that is respectful of their circumstances and supports their educational pursuits. Therefore, schools should be prepared to offer them a safe space to address these issues when they arise.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided a sense of the scope of the issue in an April 2019 Children’s Mental Health Update:

• 7.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.5 million) have a diagnosed behavior problem.
• 7.1% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety.
• 3.2% of children aged 3-17 years with depression also have anxiety, and almost 1 in 2 have behavior problems.