In a study done by Newport Academy, it was found that “11.5 percent of US youth (over 2.7 million high school students) are experiencing major depressive disorder with severe impairment.” Whether you’re stressing over exams, friendship drama, or just feeling off for no reason, mental health is something we all deal with. Finally, talking about it has become normal.
In today’s world, teens are dealing with much more than just school, which is why school should be a safe place for students. Between academic expectations at home, social media comparisons, and other personal struggles, students are somehow expected to juggle it all.
The truth is, many of us are just trying to survive the week. Keeping it together can be overwhelming. Anxiety, burnout, and depression are some of the most common health issues students face today.
With so many students silently struggling, this information poses an important question: What is our school doing to assist in the fight for mental health?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! And Cresskill High School has taken charge, making sure their students are well cared for! Throughout the month, daily challenges have been shared on the Google Classroom to “enhance your mental health, as well as other important information related to mental well-being,” says Ms. Futterknecht in a post. Mondays are ‘Mindful Mondays,’ where mental health activities are held in the courtyard!
On May 5th, the first Mindful Monday of the month, students were able to go to room C22 for lunch, journaling, and drawing. The daily challenge is a form of meditation. The second Mindful Monday was held on May 12th, where students were allowed to journal in the courtyard, or even just take home a notebook for drawing! The daily challenge question discussed forgiveness.
These daily challenges and mindful Mondays are a great way to relax and give students some downtime, time to reflect on how they feel. Doing such activities won’t reverse the effects of depression, but it’s a step in the right direction. It can assist in things like stopping student burnout.
Freshman, Elah Applbaum, says, “I love the mindful Monday activities. They are so calming. Especially lately, after having NJSLA testing. I enjoy even taking the journal home and drawing then.”
However, Cresskill High School doesn’t just address mental health during May, it strives to focus on it year-round. Often, our school holds assemblies about bullying and the effects it can have on students. Last year, our school welcomed John Halligen, a dad telling his son’s story and encouraging students to speak up on their mental health. On April 29th, in preparation for this year’s celebration, Brian Williams spoke to middle school and high school students.
How can I help? You may find yourself asking such a question.
- Take the time to check up on your friends once in a while,
- Be kind to yourself and other.
- Not everyone shares how they feel, and people go through hidden battles, making it important to stay open-minded
Cresskill Middle School and High School pay attention to student mental health. There’s still a long way to go. Mental health shouldn’t be something we talk about once or twice a year. The more we normalize it, the more people will feel like speaking up. Asking for help. Mental Health Matters.
