Is Your Child Well?

By Brook Pauley, MSSS Social Counselor

Did you know that in 2021, 256 people between the ages of 10 and 20 took their own lives due to mental health problems? This was recently reported in an article from the Korea Herald. The article goes on to report that the stigma surrounding mental health concerns and getting proper mental health care is still high in Korea. 

One of the largest concerns I have as a counselor is for student wellbeing, and depression anxiety are at the forefront of student mental health issues at Branksome. Sometimes it is hard to know if a teenager is simply being moody or if he or she is truly struggling with a mental health issue.  This is why it is critical to talk to your teen and discern if he or she is capable of managing emotions or if life seems overwhelming. The Mayo Clinic has an exhaustive list of signs to look out for.  While it is normal to experience these things from time to time, if your child is consistently displaying them, it might be time to seek mental health support. Here are a few of the signs:

• Loss of interest in normal activities

• Anger and frustration over small things 

• Consistent Irritability

• Loss of hope

• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Loss of appetite or overeating

• Self harm (cutting or burning)

• Use of alcohol or drugs

If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, please reach out to the counseling team.  We are happy to help and have a list of mental health professionals who can support you and your child. 

Pauline Li G8, 12 & all Chinese Students

paulineli@branksome.asia

Laura Muir G6, 10 & all International Students

lauramuir@branksome.asia

Brook Pauley G7, 9 & 11

brookpauley@branksome.asia