<p>The “secrets” pages have been discussed here and there else where on this forum. Most boarding schools have them now, I am not sure which school was first. Thoughts of depression and despair are present on all. </p>
<p>Exeter just completed an extensive assessment of students’ mental health needs. Depression is common among adolescents wherever they are, and Exeter has really ramped up identification and support. So have several other large boarding schools, after finding similar anonymous self-reported rates of depression and despair, and some suicidal ideation. </p>
<p>Check out a whole series of recent mental health articles in the “Exonian (available on-line, sign in instructions just to the left of sign in space, free online).” Self-referral, friend referral, teacher, proctor and adviser referral are all made to on-campus counseling and psychiatric assistance. </p>
<p>This is a good talk to have with your future boarder, which can be framed as “when your friend tells you…what is the best thing you can do to get them help.”</p>