Mental health is a very overlooked and stigmatized subject although many people struggle with it. It is crucial to recognize mental illness as a real illness and not something that a young person is making up or faking. Mental health and mental illness are different and mean different things. I know this topic can be confusing and contain subjects that people like to avoid. But if we open up the subject and talk openly about it then young people and students who are struggling are more likely to reach out for help rather than turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
The terms mental health and mental illness are often used to describe the same situations but there is a difference between both. For example, a person could be living with a mental illness such as anxiety or depression but because of the support that they are given they could have good mental health. Mental illness is the presence of a mental disorder such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Having a mental illness does not predict whether or not you will have good mental health. Many people can learn to cope and live with their mental illnesses, which allows them to have good mental health. Your mental health is much like your physical health and it is important to make sure that you reach out for help if you need it.
Poor mental health in a student not only affects that student but it also affects family members and the school community as a whole. If a student is struggling with poor mental health and is not reaching out for help, it can be a lot to have on one's mind. This could affect the student’s ability to perform well in school, meaning grades might drop and more assignments could be missing. Typically this will only make a student's depression worse as they believe that they are failing. A student’s poor mental health can also make family, peers, friends and teachers worry for them. Once again, if you are struggling with a mental illness or poor mental health, ask for help as you are not the only one that is affected. Think of those around you, but more importantly think about yourself.
If you know someone that is struggling it is important that you recognize that and you know how to help in the best way you can. To help someone that is struggling listen first and allow them to share as much or a little as they want. The first step is talking about it and your role is just to listen, don’t interrupt them and allow them to share without judgement. Gaslighting is often something that many people who are struggling experience, this is a form of emotional abuse and can make someone feel like they don’t have a right to their emotions. Some statements that one might hear from a gaslighter are, “You are so dramatic!” or, “Stop being so sensitive”. These statements and others can cause people to bottle their feelings and worsen their mental health or illness. If someone who is struggling ever opens up to you, listen carefully and recognize that their emotions are valid. It is also helpful if you help that person reach out for professional help.
Mental health and mental illnesses in a school community affect more than just the student struggling and it is crucial to remember that. It is also important to remember that you are not alone, and I’m sure many people think that sentence is meaningless but it is still important to remember. If you know someone that is struggling, get them to talk to you about it.This can help to remove the stigma around mental health and mental illnesses. Mental health and mental illness occurs more often than many may think. So to everyone that is not alright, remember that it is alright to not be alright.
If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and get the help you need. The following links can help you get started.
National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://nami.org/Home
Teen Mental Health: https://mentalhealthliteracy.org/
To Write Love on Her Arms: https://twloha.com/
Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
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Resources
N/A. (2021, August 13). Fast facts about mental health and mental illness. CMHA National. Retrieved September 11, 2021, from https://cmha.ca/brochure/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/
N/A. (n.d.). Consequences of student mental health issues. Consequences of Student Mental Health Issues | Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Retrieved September 11, 2021, from https://www.sprc.org/colleges-universities/consequences
How to support someone with a mental health problem. Mental Health Foundation. (2020, November 13). Retrieved September 11, 2021, from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/supporting-someone-mental-health-problem