May is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness, and it is essential to recognize the struggles many people face worldwide. After COVID, there was an increase in individuals who experienced mental health concerns like depression or anxiety. Funny as it is, May is also the month for testing and when students try to finish off the school year the best they can. I know that this May was really hard for me because AP testing was approaching and it mentally drained a lot to be able to keep up with it all.
“1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness in a year.”
Since this statistic is so high, it is common to come across someone who is affected by it.
Getting help for things like this is easier said than done– some people don’t have the right resources and others may not have trusted people to confide in. Overall, school, family, and friends can impact mental health in many ways. As much as they can be supportive, they can play an even more significant role in affecting them. In a student essay, they wrote that “Most people don’t think of mental health at all. And some people don’t even know it’s happening to someone they know. They never ask because, well, they don’t see it.” This is true, it is hard to tell when someone is going through things because they can hide it very well. Telling a trusted adult with concerns about friends is always a safe route to ensure they are okay.
In case you seek help for others or your own mental health the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Helpline is 1-800-662-HELP(4357).
Some ways I have been improving my mental health have been to find things that I enjoy doing and incorporate them into my day so that I have something to look forward to. If I can’t do it every day I try to aim for at least once a week. It would include hanging out with friends, writing in my guided journal, reading, or even just watching my favorite Netflix show. Whatever is helpful for you to get time to yourself will boost your happiness each week.
Taking care of yourself should always matter the most because you come first. There are a lot of teens who go through these things at such a young age and it is important to become aware of how it affects our community! Take a look at the student essay that talks about these concerns and if you are interested you can help donate below!
Ava Grace
culture chats 
Leave a comment