High school can be a stressful time, as it is filled with social and emotional growing pains, and the pressure of deciding one’s path for adulthood. To provide awareness, May is dedicated to Mental Health with the initiative to be mindful and learn coping techniques to face the new adventures one encourters.
Some people do not understand why there is a month dedicated to mental health awareness, but when asked, CST Counselor Ms. Eleanor Eick sheds light on the importance of it, “If we’re not doing well mentally in our personal lives, we cannot thrive at school.” She continued by stating you cannot be productive to your fullest potential if you are unfulfilled emotionally.
It is imperative to have a daily routine and practice mindfulness. A healthy daily routine for stable mental health means having three balanced meals, spending time outdoors, having movement throughout the day to expel energy, and having social interaction with peers. Additionally, avoiding social media and the news may be helpful. People on the internet and in the public eye are notorious for making their lives seem “perfect”, except the truth is that everyone struggles with mental illness or even just regular human emotions.
Everyone deserves to have at least one person they can trust with their feelings and whether that person is a friend, a sibling, or a trusted adult, it is essential to have a line of support with someone else. Sometimes, those who seem composed and emotionless are the ones who need the most help, so make sure to check on your loved ones too. And remember, it can be scary for an individual to speak up about their struggles, so be patient!
Student Assistance Counselor Mrs. Melissa Mitchell recommends, “Coping strategies can be healthy ways to process and express thoughts and feelings. Taking time for self-care by engaging in activities that calm, re-energize, motivate or bring us joy or spending time with supportive people in our lives can help deal with stressors related to mental health.”
Mrs. Mitchell explained further that coping can be engaged through arts, crafts, music, literature, sports, academics, culinary, technology, or whatever resonates with a student healthily and beneficially. For example, a splendid artist of Becton, Kaylee Dearborn used her art skills to participate in the Bergen County Stigma-Free Sticker Contest.
Kaylee and several other students were entered in the contest by Becton art teacher, Mrs. Dawn Savincki! This is the second year that Mrs. Savincki has entered students into the contest. and Kaylee countinued the streak for Becton as this is the second year in a row Becton has been recognized.
Dearborn revealed, “When I was picked as the winner, I was in shock. Honestly, I did not think my artwork was going this far. Six students were finalists with over 100 entries!”
Mental health is a very important topic to Mrs. Savincki as well. The art teacher divulged, “Mental Health Awareness has always been important to me because I want every student to know that he or she can use art as a means to express themselves positively.” Not every student has an outlet they feel passionate about, but the beauty of art is that there is no right or wrong answer!
It is also crucial to remember that Becton’s school faculty and staff may struggle with mental health troubles as well. Nonetheless, from the strong administration to the hard-working custodial staff, and the vitally important guidance counselors, everyone supports one another.
Specifically, teachers have a very overwhelming job to do as they produce doctors, lawyers, new teachers, mechanics, and so many other kinds of wonderful people. On a day-to-day basis, they are their students’ first-line of defense. We must remember that the staff are human too, just like the students they take care of!
Overall, Mrs. Mitchell and Ms. Eick agreed that practicing mindfulness can be difficult even for mental health professionals. They recommend using positive affirmations and daily intentions in the morning to jumpstart and maintain your productivity. Additionally, Ms. Eick prefers exercising to expel some built-up tension and release endorphins, thus making her feel more energized and happier.
Obviously, the future is not certain, but that is what makes the future beautiful. Everyone hits a low point at some point during their life, but that is why kindness and compassion can be incredible. Mental health does not define anyone, and it is perfectly okay to not be okay.
Breaking the stigma regarding mental health commences with the realization that mental wellness is just as important as physical health. De-stigmatization requires informing and sharing factual information along with personal experiences. The promotion of mental health awareness and access to resources for emergencies brings society together as one unit to develop a positive and supportive school and community.
Additional Resources:
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial or Text 988
2nd Floor Youth Helpline of NJ (24/7): Call or Text 888-222-2228
Perform Care NJ for in-home mental health services: 877-652-7624
Care Plus NJ for 24/7 immediate crisis intervention or stabilization: 877-652-7624, for Psychiatric Emergency Help: 201-262-4357, for Adolescent Recovery Program: 201-581-8374
*In case of an emergency, do not email. Please call 911 immediately.*
