Teens Need More Resources to Help With Mental Health

— Mya Johnson, Reporter

There has been an increase in mental disorders in students since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many schools are not equipped with the resources to help students continue to be successful in school while dealing with mental health issues.

Many high school students have a job, play a sport, go to school everyday, and maintain various relationships. Having a mental disorder can take a toll on students’ daily and school lives. These can affect a student’s energy level, concentration, and dependability. This can hinder a student’s learning.

According to the article ‘Teen And Adolescent Mental Health Facts And Statistics’ by adolescentwellnessacademy.com, approximately one in every five teens between ages twelve and eighteen suffer from at least one mental disorder. It is necessary for mental health to become part of schools functions by educating students and staff about mental disorders and stressing that the school can help if you ask for help.

School and teachers play a large role in a student’s childhood, as students spend hours a day at school for a large amount of the year. Schools should provide training to staff to recognize early symptoms of mental disorders to provide support to help all students succeed with or without mental disorders.

Teachers want what is best for their students, but are not always able to provide that. Providing training to staff in schools to recognize symptoms of mental disorders will help them be better prepared to assist students and give them the help they need.

When students are diagnosed with a mental disorder schools should be aware to ensure all students are successful. They should make sure that all students are aware of the help that can be provided if they do need it.

Students need a safe teaching environment to be successful and should feel safe to talk to staff about mental disorder symptoms they may have. When students receive a positive experience in school and feel supported, it is likely for mental disorder symptoms to be reduced.

Symptoms of a mental disorder can vary from person to person, as well as their diagnosis. Common symptoms may include: withdrawing from social interaction, changes in mood, changes in eating habits, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. These are some of the various symptoms that people can show but there can be other key indicators of mental health struggles.

Always be looking out for those close to you for these symptoms. Sometimes people are able to suppress emotions they are feeling to hide from others and what others may say.

Students often are not aware that there are resources available for them in schools. Staff should continuously promote that there is help available when students need it. They may need extra help or time on an assignment or on something they may be learning if they may fall behind in class due to a mental disorder.

Some families do not have the money available to afford therapy or other resources they may need. By making it explicitly clear to students that they can help if they need, it can help families who cannot afford other resources.

If we start providing mental health solutions, anyone can receive the help they need along with all students.

— Andi Nelson, Reporter