MENTAL HEALTH: NOT ALL WOUNDS ARE VISIBLE
By Samantha Bigsot
Today, a worldwide pandemic grows at a daunting rate as adolescents continue to be plagued by their psychological state. With the negative stigma that surrounds the subject, many individuals are left in the dark. A number of us may be wondering: What are the signs of mental illness? What is the cause of this sickness? How do we help those who are struggling?
In this corner of the world, the students and staff of East Career and Technical Academy may help answer these questions as they amplify their voices on the stigmatized topic: mental health.
An Everyday Struggle
“It’ll get better, even if it doesn’t seem like it. It’ll all be worth it in the end.”
Yazmin S., student
What are your thoughts when you see an individual exhibiting tired eyes, small sighs, and a non-talkative demeanor?
For many, especially high school students, this is a common sight to behold when passing through the crowded hallways or sitting through long lectures in class.
“They must be tired,” or “Maybe they’re stressed,” or “They look overwhelmed,” are some of the thoughts that may circulate through our heads when we see our peers displaying these traits. In most cases, these thoughts are just thoughts, and we do not confront them about how they are doing. On the off chance that we do, the student may reply with an “I’m fine,” or “I’m ok,” and we go on with our day, not thinking much of it.
However, is there a deeper meaning beneath these surface-level statements? Are there symptoms relating to mental instability and psychological shifts in teens?
A Helping Hand
A Helping Hand
Though there are numerous coping mechanisms students could utilize for their own psychological well-being, these practices all depend on the adolescent and what their needs are. For instance, some may require a shoulder to lean on and open ears while others may enjoy alone time to recharge their social battery and recollect themselves.
In the study conducted on ECTA students, they were asked about what they, themselves, did to maintain their own mental health.
Many spoke out saying that partaking in personal hobbies, connecting with people that they trust, and practicing self-care are the main things to focus on when trying to improve/maintain your mental health.
One student, in particular, gave a helpful explanation on how they practiced self-care: “To keep up with my mental health, I try to focus on the positive and think about how I can change or better the situation. I also try to set a good amount of time for myself to make sure I’m doing well mentally and I’m not overwhelmed.”
When it comes to confronting people about our struggles, it is understandable that it feels like a daunting task. For some, we build walls of fear, barricading ourselves in the darkness, too afraid to reach out, thinking: “What will they think of me?” “What are they going to do to me?” “Is it better to just stay quiet?” But vocalizing your feelings is, ultimately, the best step in moving forwards.
It might seem scary and you may not get what you need right away, but “…you just sometimes need to keep talking to people until you get the help that you need,” says Mrs. Rawson, achievement coach at East Career and Technical Academy.
“If you’re struggling…find someone you trust and confide in them. Don’t be afraid to get help because the sooner you can start identifying the issue, the sooner you can start overcoming [it].” (Meraz)
Mrs. Rawson concludes, “I hope that students at East Tech know that they can reach out and that we will help them…even in your saddest moments, life isn’t always like that…things will be better again.”
“Know that your feelings are valid, learn what is making your mental health difficult to maintain, and understand that while it may seem bleak now, the storm never lasts forever and the sun will shine soon enough.”
Noe M., student