Stability of the Mind: A Guide to Mental Health

By Jenna Ide

Do you ever feel overwhelmed or lost? Well, what if I told you that you're not alone? Your peers around you have felt like that at some point in time, even if they may act perfectly fine all the time. It’s important to know that some may hide their emotions better than others. In a world that constantly tells us to “keep pushing,” it's easy to ignore the whispers of our minds. But what happens when those whispers become shouts? This article dives into the importance of tuning into your mental well-being, offering insights and practical advice to help you navigate the challenges of modern life. Because taking care of your mind is not a luxury, it's a necessity.

Mental health isn't just about avoiding crisis; it's also about trying to understand your own emotions and overall well-being, along with your own day-to-day needs. Just like physical health, mental health needs attention, along with care, and even professional help at times. It's important to be able to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, or even sadness. If you're able to recognize these signs early on, it can make a huge difference in how you may cope and recover. Being afraid to talk to someone can be hard, but it's important to be open with someone and create conversations. You can create your own environment somewhere where you feel comfortable, safe, and where you feel is a judgment-free zone. It's necessary to remember your strengths rather than your weaknesses.

Take small steps each day to take care of yourself. It's okay to not want to do something one day. Taking small steps can lead to big changes in your overall mental health. It’s okay if you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious about something. It’s good to take a few minutes and take some deep breaths, write down your thoughts and feelings, and even take some time to do something you enjoy. Doing these actions will calm your mind from whatever you're thinking of and even boost your mood. Mental health is an adventure and there's no direct destination. Always take time for yourself to recollect and reach out to someone like a family member, friend, therapist, school counselor, or any trusted adult. By being kind to yourself and reaching out to anyone for help when things get hard, you're building a stronger foundation of yourself and overall well-being.

You don't have to have everything figured out to take care of yourself. At times, life may feel confusing and very unpredictable, and that's okay. What matters most is learning how to be patient with yourself during all the ups and downs. Remember, everyone has their own path. You might compare yourself to others at times, but what you don't know is that that person could be going through something similar to what you're going through. Instead try to focus on what makes you feel grounded and do something you enjoy, whether it's a sport, a hobby, or an activity. Mental health is not a race; it's a journey of growth, healing, and self-discovery. Every step you take, no matter how small, is progress worth celebrating!

Connecting with others can be a powerful tool to healing and can improve mental health significantly. Connecting with someone sometimes may feel challenging, and you might feel like no one gets you sometimes. But it's normal to feel nervous or unsure about opening up, especially if you've been hurt before or are afraid of being judged. But even taking the smallest step like saying, "I'm having a tough day," can be a meaningful start. Connecting with someone doesn't always have to start with a deep conversation. It can be as simple as spending time with a trusted friend, joining a club that piques your interest, or even starting a new club. Even when it feels like no one understands, there is always someone who cares, whether it's a friend, family member, teacher, counselor, or mental health professional. You are never truly alone.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is a continuous journey filled with ups and downs, challenges, and victories. It’s okay to ask for help, to take breaks, and to put yourself first. Your feelings are valid, and your well-being matters. You don’t have to have all the answers right now. What matters most is that you keep showing up for yourself, even in small ways. Celebrate every step forward, no matter how tiny it seems. There is a whole community of people, friends, family, counselors, and others who want to support you. When you reach out, you’re not just helping yourself; you’re helping to break the silence and stigma around mental health for others too. So be kind to yourself. Keep exploring what brings you peace and joy. And remember: your mental health journey is yours alone, and no one else's.

I hope this article was helpful. Below are adults who can help you with your mental health struggles and well–being!

School counselors:

Mrs. Nicole Zomerfeld:

Nicole Zomerfeld (Last name A-B)

Mrs. Katie Welnowski

Kathryn Welnowski (Last name C-Cr, Ges-He)

Mrs. Kim Sedita

Kim Sedita (Last name Cs-Ger)

Mrs. Tracy Serio

Tracy Serio (Last name Hf-Lur)

Mr. Zachary Pinti

Zachary Pinti (Last name Lus-Phe)