In a highly competitive school environment like Oak Park High School, it isn’t unusual for students to focus all of their attention on chasing impressive grades and AP classes. However, being mentally healthy is proven to be the first step to success.
In an article by youth.gov regarding the mental health of students, they state “mentally healthy students are more likely to go to school ready to learn, actively engage in school activities, have supportive and caring connections with adults and young people, use appropriate problem-solving skills, have non-aggressive behaviors, and add to positive school culture.”
But if being mentally healthy is so important, why don’t more students practice healthy mental habits? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health has indicated that students sometimes feel uncomfortable asking for help, and that “adolescents are more comfortable accessing health care services through school-based clinics.”
OPHS has incorporated several ways that students can reach out for help such as counselors, peer counselors and the Wellness Center located in room H-16. The Wellness Center is run by its own dedicated counselor, Fatima Hernandez, who welcomes all students to stop by regardless of the reason. Whether they’re stressed out or just need a quiet place to calm down and collect their thoughts, there are various activities for students to participate in order to debrief from a long day.
“This year, the Wellness Center will be tech free and we encourage students to put away their tech and play a game, color, relax, or chat with a friend,” said Hernandez.
During a busy school year, it is easy to become overwhelmed, especially in new situations. But by practicing a few helpful skills, students can help lessen their stress load.
Hernandez described a few of these strategies, one being “to talk to someone you trust, a parent, friend, counselor, coach, etc., or writing in a journal.” She elaborated on an easy journal exercise of writing everything you have on your mind down, then reflecting.
When students become stressed, it is hard to focus on one thing at a time, and staying organized becomes difficult. Balancing classes and tests with sports all while working to complete a lengthy to-do list becomes mentally draining. Hernandez suggested practicing organization.
“Getting organized is another big thing students can do if they feel overwhelmed, clean out your back pack, throw old stuff away, clean your room, get an agenda or use your Google calendar to organize your day and remind you of tasks. If you put them down on a calendar, you won’t need to try to remember everything which may cause burnout, or that feeling of overwhelmedness,” she added.
Finally, Hernandez suggested positively affirming yourself with statements such as “I am doing my best,” “what I do is enough” or “there is no mental mountain I can’t climb.”
A large portion of stress in students originates from struggling to balance classes with sports and family time. Bulking up one’s schedule with APs just to impress colleges is an easy way to overwhelm and stress out a student. Hernandez suggested some ways to determine which classes are best for you.
First, it’s important to not take classes that you have absolutely zero interest in, Hernandez said, especially if it is at an AP or Honors level. You also need to make sure there will be enough time in your day to complete every class’s homework leaving at least eight hours to sleep.
Be sure to really think about your life commitments and priorities, Hernandez added. Outside of school, you will still have chores, family responsibilities and extracurricular activities, so make sure to plan accordingly. By picking a class schedule you are excited to take, you will not only enjoy your high school experience, but allow yourself to avoid burning out.
It is common for high school students to experience hard times, so Hernandez suggested ways in which you can check on your peers and help them through what they’re going through. The first steps are to “listen to your peers if they appear to be having a hard time” and “validate what they are saying.” To Hernandez, it is important for students to realize that they are not alone in their struggles, and have people who support them.
Additionally, be understanding of their situation and their limitations. One may feel too drained to hang out, so “don’t expect them to go out every time you invite them,” Hernandez said, “but do keep asking as it shows their company is valued.”
Although stressors will inevitably cross your path, there are strategies and resources to aid yourself and others in maintaining a healthy mindset.
