Mental Health Section

MENTAL HEALTH SECTION

DEPRESSION IS NOTHING TO JOKE ABOUT

The word depression has become so misused that teens often forget its true meaning is serious and affects millions of Americans daily.

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing impairment in daily life.

?Kids don't understand that there are gonna be sad days and bright days. It's easy to say I'm depressed rather than I'm having a rough day, but it's not always used in that way,? said the school counselor Farrah Hoek stra.

It is important to recognize the misuse of the term because using the word 'depressed' incorrectly might mis-characterize how serious and debilitating real depression can be for many young teens. Misusing it can cause some teens to not seek help, as they might believe what they are dealing

with is not serious when it is a serious matter.

?Many people throw it around to easily instead of saying I'm sad it turns into I'm depressed. Real medical depression is more impairing, they can't get out of bed for months. The internet [also] is confusing depression for sadness,? said school psychologi st Andrea Opel.

If you do feel sad and it seems to be affecting your life in more serious ways, please seek help. Start by talking to your parents, a teacher, your school counselor or a friend. Additional information and help on a number of mental health conditions can be found at:

https://www.crisistextline.org/

or Text 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.

OVERCOMING ANXIETY

Information on Anxiety from School Counselor Farrah Hoekstra

1. What does anxiety feel like? Anxiety is a situation where you can feel overwhelmed and start to feel your body changing (palms getting sweaty, heart rate rises, feeling anxious about a situation). There are all different types of anxiety some of them are test anxiety, academic anxiety, and social anxiety.

2.What are the main symptoms of anxiety? The main symptoms of anxiety can be like a sweaty palm, feeling anxious, your breathing gets faster, you get distracted and things like that. Racing thoughts, worry and fear are other symptoms.

3. What happens when you have an anxiety attack? An anxiety attack is where you can feel like the room is closing in on you and you not being able to think. Feeling worried. Butterflies in your stomach. You can become angry or irritated easily.

4. What are things you can do to help anxiety and is it treatable?

If you have an anxiety attack you can learn some things to help including coping strategies so when you feel an anxiety attack coming you can learn to control your breathing, have a positive distraction instead of thinking what you are anxious about, drawing, mindful coloring, talking with a trusted friend or adult.

Living with Anxiety: A Student Perspective

1. What is it like living with anxiety? Living with this condition is very stressful at times because you can have random anxiety attacks and it is unexpected and you cant really control your em oti ons.

2. How has living with anxiety shaped who you are today? With this condition I've talked to a lot of people, close friends and family, they've helped me get through it, so I feel as if I'm a stronger person now because this condition has helped me become a stronger person.

3. What kinds of things do you worry about? Definitely school, specifically not being able to turn in homework on time or having to go somewhere or someplace and worrying that I won't be able to finish it. Someone prank calling you, you could get anxious because you never know if they could steal your information.

4. How do you treat an anxiety attack? I meditate, I listen to calming music, turn on a candle, and read a book or something else, or I talk to my friends that comfort me.

***Answers for this section from an anonymous student in Cornell academy.