Mental Health
Mental Health Help Available
By Grace Mitchell-Paul
Not long ago, the high school staff began to hang up banners and posters depicting a mental health website based in Colorado that allows people to take a mental health survey and gain access to therapists.
Dolores High School principal, Justin Schmitt, informed the newspaper staff of the other possible resources available to students.
With COVID- 19 causing social distancing and isolation, anxiety and depression in teens has risen. In times like these, it is important for students to know the resources available to them.
Dolores is part of a School Health Professionals Grant that provides us with counselors in order to support students and staff. Partnerships with programs such as BOCES offer training and support to students. The school itself has a mental health and wellness section on the website, as well as providing therapists in the school based clinic located right next door.
Recently, Elisa Olson, the secondary Counselor, was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Fortunately, the tumors have been removed and now she has returned.When Mrs Olson was asked what her plans for next year were, she responded by saying that she wants to reignite FOR club, which is a national campaign for good. Olson noted that she would need to carve out time to make it happen.
Mrs Olson suggests that students who need support for both school and the summer either go to her office, and if she is not available, to go to the Dolores website and view the Counselor’s Corner.
“Kids tend to struggle toward the end of the school year with both excitement and stress. Over the summer, they should build and retain friendships. There are two reasons to do so: the first is to expand your friend group and the second is to have friends to do things with over the summer,” stated Mrs. Olson.
The Counselor’s Corner that was previously mentioned is all about social and emotional well being. If anyone is struggling they can come see Mrs Olson or acces the Counselor’s Corner for skills to help with social emotional health.
Mrs. Olson Returns to Dolores
By Darwin Cooper, Grace Mitchell, and Kyler Acre
After a long battle with cancer this year Mrs Olson is returning to Dolores.
When Mrs Olson was asked what her plans for next year were she responded by saying that she wants to reignite FOR club, which is a national campaign for good. Olson noted that she would need to carve out time to make it happen.
Mrs Olson suggests that students who need support for both school and the summer either go to her office, or if she is not available, they can go to the Dolores website and go to the Counselor’s Corner.
“Kids tend to struggle toward the end of the school year with both excitement and stress, students over the summer should build and retain friendships. There are two reasons to do so: the first is to expand your friend group and the second is to have things to do over the summer,” stated Mrs. Olson.
The Counselor’s Corner that was previously mentioned is all about social and emotional well being. If anyone is struggling they can come see Mrs Olson or acces the Counselor’s Corner for skills to help with social emotional health.