In a world that is constantly on the move, the quiet battles people face within their own minds are often the hardest to see; yet these are the struggles that can shape our lives the most. Our mental health has the ability to affect every aspect of our being and thus is something we must take care of.
“If you’re feeling anxious, stressed or worried, you will start to feel it in your body at some point,” Wellness Center Counselor at Oak Park High School Fatima Hernandez said. “It might not be right away, but if it lingers long enough, it will start to affect you physically. Every person is different, so it’s going to come out in a different way for everyone.”
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 31% of U.S. adolescents have had some form of an anxiety disorder. Teenage females have slightly higher prevalence of anxiety disorders, but the numbers are high across the board for all adolescents and genders, seen in a data collection from Harvard Medical School.
Many people believe a decline in mental health happens suddenly, but this is rarely the case. By learning to recognize the warning signs, you are in a better position to help yourself and those around you. Some common indicators include changes in sleep and appetite patterns, mood swings and withdrawals from social events. Ultimately, any noticeable change in a person’s character or actions may distract them from being their normal selves, and could be a sign they need help. Recognizing these indicators early is crucial, as timely support can make a big difference in slowing the decline of an individual’s mental wellbeing.
“Early intervention can help reduce the severity of an illness and interruptions in quality of life and functions,” Medical Director Anthony T. Ng at Northern Light Acadia Hospital said. “It may even be possible to delay or prevent a major mental illness altogether.”
Reaching out for help may be misconceived as a sign of weakness to some. Many students in need of guidance, whether from a counselor or a friend, hesitate to reach out in order to avoid embarrassment. In an interview with Dr. Tara Krueger, Clinical Director of Newport Academy, Meg Walters of Made of Millions, takes a deep dive into the stigma behind mental health. “Teens can be reluctant to speak up about mental health issues for fear of being judged or labeled by parents or peers,” Dr. Krueger said.
Hernandez is passionate about breaking the misconception that having emotions and sharing them with others makes you weak. She reminds us that “it’s a human thing” to cry and we should feel encouraged to ask for help. She spends her time in the OPHS wellness center which is available during school hours for any students who may need it. If you need a mental break or someone to talk to, the doors to the wellness center are open.
