How Right Now

The award-winning mental health communications campaign How Right Now (HRN) is designed to strengthen the emotional well-being and resiliency of people experiencing stress, grief and loss through targeted messaging that links to support resources.

Launched in August 2020, HRN was initially developed to provide mental health and emotional support to people during the pandemic. The current focus of the initiative is on understanding and supporting the needs of public-school K-12 teachers and school staff who are encountering high levels of stress, burnout and grief. According to a recent Gallup poll, 44 percent of our educators are suffering from exhaustion, feelings of detachment, ineffectiveness and a lack of accomplishment. 

The goal of HRN is to increase the coping skills of teachers and staff and enhance their ability to adapt and be resilient by increasing awareness of emotional health issues and the mental wellness resources available to help. 

Watch what teachers and school staff have to say about the importance of supporting your mental health needs:

Related Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline—confidential, free and available 24/7/365
- Call or text 988
- Chat at 988lifeline.org
- TTY users can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
Mental Health America resources

50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers and School Staff: Teach.com
Mental Health and Wellness Resources: Teach for America
For Administrators -- Supporting School Staff: Kognito

Social Media Assets

If you are struggling working at school, you are not alone.

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Sample Message: A lot is being asked of people working in schools. The challenges you are facing are hard—you don’t have to go through them alone. It can help to connect with someone you trust, like a friend or family member about what you are experiencing and feeling.

Visit cdc.gov to learn more.

Working in a school is not easy. Be kind to yourself — you are trying your best.

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Sample Message: It may not feel like it all the time, but your work as a teacher is making a difference in people's lives, including your students. Everyone has limits, so be kind to yourself—you are trying your best even when you are not feeling your best.

Learn about resources for support at cdc.gov.

Leading a school is not easy. It's OK to take time for yourself, too.

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Sample Message: As a school leader, meeting the needs of your students and staff can sometimes feel overwhelming. Nobody can do it all! It’s OK to spend time doing something that re-energizes you. Take a moment to appreciate what you accomplished today.

Learn about strategies to relieve stress at cdc.gov.

As a school leader, you can create supportive spaces to help your staff stay resilient.

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Sample Message: As a school leader, you may be dealing with many challenges. Take a moment to appreciate that you are trying your best, even if you have limited resources. Nobody has all the answers, but you can help your staff stay resilient by creating opportunities and spaces where staff feel safe to share what they are going through.

Find more strategies and resources at cdc.gov.

After a long day working at school, take a moment for yourself, too.

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Sample Message: Working in a school is challenging, and nobody can do it all. It’s OK to spend time doing something that re-energizes you. Using a self-care mobile app can help.

Learn about other strategies you can try at cdc.gov.