Mental health struggles is a topic that has gone from the shadows to a popular global topic. With many opening up more freely about disorders and challenges, the barrier surrounding mental health disorders is starting to come down.
Despite this, mental health is something that still has stigma surrounding it, despite the fact that 8 million die per year due to a mental health disorder. Many people don’t realize that there is no shame in struggling or not being “okay.” For teens, it can be a challenge to find someone to speak to or turn to when things get hard.
People cope with their mental health in many different ways. Their strategies can be dependent on their personal struggles, preferences, or availability of help. Some struggle more when they cannot find a therapist or professional to talk to. However, in schools, like Cardozo, many staff are trained in dealing with mental health disorders and challenges. When teens struggle, going to talk to someone can be helpful. It can be a way to take their mind off of whatever is bothering them.
At Cardozo, one person of contact is a student’s guidance counselor. They are there to listen to struggles and also help guide students through difficult times. But, some students feel that they can’t always get an appointment, and instead, they can speak to a social worker like Ms. Garcia. Students can also speak to a safe adult like a teacher that they trust.
Talking to friends and family members that are a safe space can be another way to cope, especially if people do not feel comfortable talking to a “stranger” like a therapist or a staff member at school.
Other ways that people can cope with their mental health struggles is by writing things down and journaling. Getting everything out of their head and onto paper can be therapeutic. Some also like to listen to music to calm down and destress. Individuals like to pray or meditate, too. Some turn to religion like church or temple to pray and talk to higher beings about how they feel.
One important thing for people to remember is that there are ways of coping that can be seen as “unhealthy.” Some teens choose to turn to drinking and drugs to cope, or silence the noise. But, this is a bad idea because that many of these things are illegal and also can harm the body.
There are healthy ways to silence the noise like moving the body and releasing healthy chemicals in the brain with movement and exercise. Playing sports and dancing can help to move the body and to help people feel better.
Also, teens should remember that there are are various hotlines that are available when they are home and not in school.
Suicide hotline is 998
Emergency hotline 911
Child Abuse hotline (800) 422-4453
Sexual assault hotline (800) 656-4673
