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Mental Health Matters
By Annamarie Lyman
For a long time, mental health has been demonized in the media and day to day life. 1 in every 4 adults struggle with their mental health, and 75% of those people do not receive any sort of treatment. Many feel as though they’ll be judged for reaching out and talking about what’s going on in their minds. Some have a hard time reaching out because they feel they’re handing over what little control they may have. Others may refuse help because they worry about how that may appear to potential employers or people in the community.
Some mental health disorders may include depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar affective disorder, eating disorders, etc. Not everyone who battles with their mental health is the same, as some may suffer from just one of these disorders, while another may have several. Some may have more control over their thoughts and actions while others may struggle to maintain that control. That doesn’t mean that anyone’s struggle is more or less valid than someone else’s, or that they should keep quiet about their issues because they feel that others may have it worse. Someone who is grappling with poor mental health shouldn’t hesitate to seek assistance, whether they find solace in a friend, family member, counselor or hotline operator.
If you or someone you know struggles mentally, you can call 800-273-8255 to talk to someone with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline or text HOME to 741741 and you’ll be connected to someone within minutes. You can also stop in to see our guidance counselors hear at CVA. This includes Ms. Darrow and Ms. DelConte, or Ms. Kramas, who is a certified counselor. Your thoughts are valid, you are loved, and you are not alone.
Mr. Mott
Mr. Mott
Mr. Mott, who is an English teacher at Central Valley Academy, started what is now a well-known tradition, which began in 2007. His former student, Eric Lachacz, made fun of Mott's mile time of 3:45:00 calling it "slow". Mott responded by stating, "Even on the best day and the flattest surface I could beat you." Lachacz then ran 105 laps on the track resulting with a time of 5:45:00. More seniors then tried to challenge Mott and it has since then become a growing tradition.
This year's hope is to raise awareness towards mental health, as it has affected our community tremendously, especially within the 2021-2022 school year. Mott also wants to provide one last "hoorah" for seniors to continue on their legacy here at CVA even after graduation. His goal is to let every individual know that they matter and there is a community behind everyone. Mott hopes that by providing this event, we won't have to go through what we have. Mott states, "If this event can save one life, it is all that much worth it."
Mott concluded the interview by saying he is "really happy to be able to provide this event for the community and that the event will take place on the original Thursday of the first week in June."
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