Mental Health is Health

A permanent solution to a temporary problem.

While mental health awareness has grown exponentially in the past decade, the stigma around it still looms. Many of your classmates, teammates, friends, are struggling with mental health, yet it often feels like a secret. If you are struggling with mental health, reach out. Mental health, if not taken care of, can be deadly.  Mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Be Kind

Last week, our classmate, Jawuan Booker, passed. I do not feel comfortable speaking about his situation, because I did not know him on a personal level, and I would rather not make assumptions; however, I do feel comfortable saying that it is extremely important to be outgoing and kind to others. While it sounds cliche, and you have been hearing this since kindergarten, it cannot be stressed enough about the difference it really makes. I am not asking you to be everyone’s best friend and number one supporter, but you truly never know what someone is going through, and even flashing a smile in the hallway can make a difference in someone’s life. 

If someone feels alone in life, even the smallest thing like striking up a conversation in class when you’re paired up with someone you don’t know very well in class can make a world of a difference. Sometimes the difference between life and death is making someone feel seen.

While keeping all of this in mind, also know that someone's mental health is not something to be turned into gossip. If you aware of someone who has a mental health crisis going on, do not turn it into the next big story for your friends.

Seek Help

If you ever feel alone, just know you are not. Again, I know, it is cliche, but really, our school has amazing counselors, teachers, and staff. People want to listen to you, and they want to be there for you. Do not be afraid to talk to them about anything you’re going through.

A lot of people struggle in silence when it comes to mental health, when in reality, more people than you know have dealt with the same thing. Sometimes when you feel like you want to disappear, all you need is to be found. 

Recognize the Signs

Unfortunately, as a society we need to know how to recognize the signs of someone who is suicidal. Things such as changes in eating habits, isolation, increased substance abuse, acting erratically, and episodes of depression or emotional despair are common warning signs. 

If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are overall concerned about someone’s mental health, give them support and talk to them. Give them resources such as the suicide hotline, and contact a guardian about the situation and your concerns. 

If you are struggling, talk to someone. You are more important than you’ll ever know. 

Suicide hotline: 988