How Covid is Affecting Students Mental Health at LHS LHS Making an Effort for Those Struggling ELLA FLEMING Covid-19 has had various effects on students, especially within the Lindbergh High School community. Students struggle with continuing school and extracurricular activities with the addition of a global pandemic taking away certain opportunities. At LHS, Covid is being taken very seriously. The plan currently put in place is that masks must be worn at all
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struggling. “We partner with a lot of outside organizations to provide additional support. Some of these are meetings that take place regularly on our campus while others are those in which we might send a student for help outside of the building,” said Dr. Cochran while preceding to mention the importance of students and their safety when at school. said Dr. Cochran while preceding to mention the importance of students and their safety when at school. There are many outlets at LHS for students who are struggling with mental health especially with the increased number of Covid cases. Outlets include clubs such as CHADS, a club offered at LHS exclusively focusing on mental health with students. Elizabeth Diester, the head of CHADS stated, “CHADS is an excellent place to learn about ways to deal with and learn about depression, anxiety, and mental health,” In CHADS, students learn different coping mechanisms to help them when they are This is a snapshot from the CHADS offical website showing the outcome of struggling mentally and emotionally. Certain events are Destress Day and with the addition of Positivity week. also held to help students outside of school such as Distress Day and others. Distress day is an opportunity for students to relax after school and be able to be calm and not feel any times by students and staff, whereas social distancing stress during difficult times. Ms. Diester says, “Destress is still at least 3 feet apart. The district is working to Day is to help students relax during make students feel safe and secure stressful times.” while providing outlets for students “Covid has definitly takNow with technology, ensuring the who are struggling with mental health safety of students has never been easier issues. en a toll on my mental according to Dr. Cochran. “Technology The staff at LHS is also health but I know Lindhas also been a tremendous help. Our working to make Lindbergh a safe and welcoming place for all students. bergh has great resourc- Securly program helps us to identify students who might be struggling.” “Students have had a difficult time es for me to use,” Securly is a program used by LHS that learning how to be back in school can look onto students’ computers and and manage class, homework, and Taylor Forbes - 10 see what they are doing. Not only can other activities they are a part of,” Securly be used by administrators, but said Tricia Hayes. Mrs. Hayes is one by teachers as well. Since not many of the many well-trained counselors at LHS. She deals students are going to admit the problems they’re struggling with students that are struggling with mental health. with, administrators and staff use Securly as a resource to Hayes said Covid has definitely been affecting students’ help keep track of these students. Students will also get a mental health, “We have seen an increase in mental notification when Securly is in use. health issues in students since Covid began.” LHS is a community working daily to make sure In his role as main principal, Dr. Cochran students don’t feel alone during this difficult time. If help works closely with the students and staff is ever needed, the counseling doors are always open and Feature to make sure that Lindbergh is a ready to help. safe community for those who are 2.25.22
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