Many students’ mental health struggles go unnoticed because they appear to be managing well with their grades and behavior in school. Inside the mind of a student who struggles with mental health, lies an abundance of overwhelming stress. Without the correct support and resources, they will fight this silent battle alone.
Students are undergoing stressful life events while having to take on school responsibilities.
“When my mental health is rough in school, I either just give up or I’m pushed to rush through it,” freshman Dexter Jurado said.
Students need more than the basic lessons and assignments. They also need a hobby or something they look forward to doing at school, but that can be difficult when you put all your time and energy into As and Bs.
“I think school could be blocking me from doing other hobbies like my art or picking up other hobbies like practicing an instrument,” freshman Vincent Jennemann said.
The biggest concerns students have at school is how students judge others. What they don’t realize is that they might live to regret it once school is done, and students are alone with who they have become.
“Something I do now to get through school that I might regret in the future is trying to fit in with others and the normal groups,” freshman Vivanna Roman said
When undergoing these more stressful events students begin to use bad coping mechanisms. This can put students on the wrong path, and affect growth for the future.
Coping skills are important to noticing changes in your mental health.
“When we think of anxiety, we think of our fight or flight system,” counselor Ms. Cook said. “One of the things I think is really cool to get our nervous system to snap out of it, is something cold, like an ice pack. You can put ice packs on pressure points. This will allow your body to get out of freakout mode.”
Talking to someone is an important step in the process of getting or receiving help. If students are willing to reach out and get help then the school has resources and licensed professional therapists. With these resources and support systems, students will not have to suffer one more day in silence and alone.
“So we have a program called TCHAT, it is through the entire state, and it is a really great program where we can refer students to be able to receive counseling services outside from the school counselors. This offers 10 free virtual sessions,” Cook said.
Students can become a better version of themselves and get closer to what they want to achieve in school when they find what works for them. When students enter school to achieve these goals they should have a clear mind.
“I think of mental health the same way I think of breathing, my dad has always told me if you can’t breathe nothing else matters.” Cook said.
Karen Malone • Jan 25, 2025 at 2:00 am
I loved this article. I could so relate to it. And had good information. Thank you Mia, I’m so proud of you
Milli • Jan 29, 2025 at 12:18 am
Thankyouuu!!! I’m glad you loved it and that you could relate aswell.