Students For Change: Addressing mental health crises By: Rachel Arrey

Creating a healthier lifestyle does not only equate to eating healthily, exercise, staying hydrated or getting a good night’s rest. Although these are good recommendations, keeping your body in check begins with your mind. Mental health is a vital part of living, but it is often overlooked. Students get so busy with their academic work, extracurriculars, and social lives that they forget about how essential mental health is. But when school communities work together to bring awareness towards mental health issues, students accomplish what is beyond possible. 

Tyra, a student at Hillgrove High School, conveys her thoughts on mental health awareness in schools. “I think it can either have a positive effect or a negative effect, because moving throughout your teenage years can be very tough. A lot of people are going through mental imbalances or depression, or anxiety. So, I think it affects them in good ways as well, because when you have a good mindset and you're able to work throughout your day, it helps.” Tyra’s perspective echoes a growing concern among educators, students, and parents. Many students face stress, anxiety, and depression due to academic expectations, and personal struggles. School communities have acted by offering more counseling services and events to raise awareness. 

“My understanding of mental health has changed throughout my personal teenage years, because over time, it's changed and grown and flourished into how I am now. I believe mental health is something that people can get judged for, or that it's very hard to talk about, depending on what you're going through, because not everything can be put into words about how you feel.” Tyra shares how learning more about mental health issues has shaped her as a student and a person. There is plenty of unwanted stigma surrounding mental health problems which creates confusion for teens. When mental health is aligned with a negative image, it makes it difficult for students to get the help they deserve and makes it harder for schools to assess such problems. 

Mental health should be treated the exact same way we treat our physical health. Creating a balance can help students recognize the truth surrounding mental health and transform lives forever. Schools taking initiative create a safe space for learners by allowing them to feel seen, empowered, and understood. The right resources, conversations, and community will make a lasting impact and helps students not only excel academically but grow into healthier individuals.