Mental Health: Are You Aware?

“In 2021, more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless. Near one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health”, According to CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data Summary and Trends Report: 2011-2021. Around the U.S. people have been asking “Is my child in this percentage? How can I help them?”

by Chloe' Camille Wright 

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According to the World Health Organization, “Depression, Anxiety, and Behavioral Disorders are the leading cause of illness and disability among adolescents.” These mental health disorders can be treated however, many don’t get diagnosed or are misdiagnosed. There are many bad superstitions and stigmas about mental illness, many adolescents tend to look over and ignore symptoms out of fear of being negatively labeled.

 

What role do schools play in a students success?  Schools play a big role in emotionally supporting students. Schools are supposed to create a safe space for students. However, at times the school can be a unsafe space.

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According to Newport Academy :

(1) Some students feel safe in schools if they receive the proper support.

(2) For other students, it could catalyze and worsen anxiety, depression, loneliness, poor self-esteem, and other psychological challenges.

(3) experience significant shortages of counselors.

(4) At least 16 percent of teens in high school had a major depressive episode. 

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During the pandemic, the number of teens experiencing depressive episodes increased. This rise in mental illness could be a product of the pandemic as well. A study done by NIH said, “The pandemic caused significant stress and uncertainty.” Most likely due to isolation and the death of family and friends, they knew during this time.

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The signs?

According to Mayo Clinic Press, “Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions.” Some symptoms and signs include “Feeling Sad, Excessive Fear and Worry, Extreme Mood Changes, and Detachment.”

 

If you have any of the signs listed above, it's best to see your primary care physician, However, if your teen shows signs of suicidal thoughts more help may be needed.

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Many adolescents struggle with mental health issues. These issues are often common and undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness, negative stigmas and support. More support systems are needed in our schools and at home but due to the lack of access many under resourced students aren't supported. 

 

We interviewed students in the school to see how they felt about the mental health of students. I asked Amelia, a student at Morrow High School and she  said that often times she comes to school depressed but after meeting up with her classmates and talking to her favorite teachers then the depression isn't as intense.  We asked James, a freshman the same question and he said that he didn't feel any kind of way about the state of mental health for students. He really didn't know much about mental health care. Mental health care is taboo in our communities but more attention is being given to it. 
 

Works Cited

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