May: Mental Health Awareness Month
May 22, 2024
Image from: Flickr
Mental health concerns are very common for people and are something many need help managing.
“Everyone can benefit from mental health support, whether they have larger issues, smaller issues, or no issues at all,” said Mr. Sommerfeldt, MHS school counselor.
OASH states that in the United States, 49.5% of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. In Wisconsin, 26.2% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder in 2023.
Mental health can be a key factor in our lives and bringing awareness to this topic can help many people.
Teens have a lot on their plates and can feel overwhelmed from all that’s expected from them. If a MHS student is feeling stressed, then they can reach out to counselors.
“It’s okay to feel stressed,” said Mr. Sommerfeldt. “Sometimes you need to focus on the present moment as well.”
Teenagers tend to be busy with sports, friends, relationships, and jobs. Mrs. Schultz, MHS school counselor reminds students with all the busyness, it’s important to slow down and find time for yourself.
“We all have struggles with our mental health sometimes. It's nothing to be ashamed of and should be looked at no differently than our physical health,” Mrs. Schultz said. “It's okay to not be okay sometimes.”
Mrs. Schultz suggests students to remember their Sources of Strength and to not be afraid to reach out for help.
Image from: ConnorStrongFoundation
Summer Support:
Take care of your mental health by staying active and connected to people. Disconnect from technology. Take the summer time to balance how busy you are.
Students can reach out to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health), the YMCA, YouthGo, or Boys and Girls Club programs to benefit their mental health. NAMI meets every Tuesday at 7 pm.
Students can still reach out to their counselor from school if they are struggling. If the school support cannot help the student they can refer them to community agencies that can help.
Getting outside, enjoying the sun, and getting fresh air are great mood boosters.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out!
U.S. suicide hotline: 988
National suicide prevention hot-line: 1-800-273-8255
LGBTQ+: 1-866-488-7386
by Lorelai Steinberg
May 22, 2024
The Jay's News Nest