“The storm of mental health.” photo courtesy of junior Kennedy Beltram.
Mental health issues are an extremely common struggle among youth. San Luis Obispo High School students are no exception. Because of this, it is imperative that schools step up and advocatesfor their students’ mental health.
“The worse student well-being the higher student suicide rate. Just an overall dumpster fire. I mean, something is better than nothing right? I would rather have something little than nothing at all. School support doesn’t even have to be a set rubric, but it can be support from staff too,” said Sophomore Talia Ramezani.
As harsh as it sounds – it’s true. The more students that struggle alone with mental health, the more tragedies. SLOHS has a responsibility to its community to support its youth not only as a method of prevention but also as a tool to allow more unity.
“The danger in schools not supporting students with their mental health issues is the student feeling isolated and unheard. If I felt a need to reach out I would not feel comfortable talking to staff,” said Junior Mattea Gallon.
If students don’t feel comfortable communicating their struggles with staff, in some cases, that leaves the individual to carry their burden alone. As an establishment claiming to care for its students, it is fully necessary that they create an environment that allows students to open up when needed. The years people attend high school are usually the most chaotic; from hormones to difficult academics to student hierarchies. Due to this harsh reality, many students find themselves struggling.
One in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, and half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14. Which means that at SLOHS possibly two hundred seventy students could be dealing with a severe mental health disorder.
Teens need help and guidance with their mental health. They need support from their school and their teachers. Students should not have to face their battles alone and SLOHS staff should go out of their way to help them through it.
Source: nami.org.