Project Chill: How Schools Are Creating ‘Relaxation Rooms’ to Combat Student Mental Health Crisis
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A growing number of schools across the United States are implementing innovative “relaxation rooms” – dubbed “Project Chill” – to address a surge in student anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. These spaces, designed to evoke calm and security, offer students a vital refuge and access to on-site mental health professionals, representing a proactive shift in how schools approach student wellbeing.
Savannah Kearns, an 11-year-old sixth grader, embodies the need for such resources. suffering from social anxiety, Kearns recounts feeling “nervous and anxious” in social situations, fearing judgment from her peers. “I was always afraid that if I did something wrong, people would laugh at me,” she admits. her recent transition to Pleasant Hills Middle School, coupled wiht experiences of bullying related to her weight and clothing, amplified these anxieties. Kearns found solace in the school’s newly established “lounge room,” a space specifically designed to help students de-escalate and regain composure.
A Sanctuary for Students
The “break room” at Pleasant hills, and the 49 others now operating in schools across Allegheny, washington, Bedford, and Erie counties, are intentionally designed to be soothing. Soft lighting, lush greenery, and nature-inspired décor create a tranquil atmosphere. A notably striking feature is the cozy seating area built into a hollow tree trunk, offering a sense of security and privacy for up to ten students at a time.
These spaces, launched in 2019 with just two pilot rooms thru the Allegheny Health Network (AHN), aim to mimic natural environments like forests or bear dens, fostering relaxation and emotional stabilization. Each room is staffed by AHN Behavioral Health education experts, trained to support students during recess and collaborate with teachers to implement coping skills rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Furthermore, AHN’s clinical behavioral health specialists provide direct counseling and, when necessary, work with physicians to prescribe medication. this full-time, on-site support system is proving invaluable for students who may lack access to mental health resources elsewhere.
“Some students really don’t have anyone to talk to or trust, but whenever we’re upset or angry or anxious, we can come here and talk to anyone in this room,” Kearns shared, highlighting the importance of a safe and accessible space for vulnerable students. Shelley meyer, a mental health educator at the school, helped Kearns understand the root causes of the bullying she experienced and introduced her to “Relaxation Techniques,” a program Kearns credits with significantly improving her mental wellbeing. “This program has really helped me with my mental health. Before, there were days when I didn’t want to get out of bed and just wanted to study at home for fear of being bullied,” Kearns explained.
Addressing a Critical Need
According to William Davis, director of Project chill, the program is responding to a significant and largely unmet need for preventative mental health services in schools. “Thanks to this program, we have been able to quickly prevent children from engaging in ris
