Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
July 29, 2021
BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME
Page 21
Help students stay physically healthy by supporting mental health
By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor
When you think of health many people think about staying physically healthy. However, mental health is ust as important as staying physically fit. In fact, they are linked. People who suffer from mental illness tend to have lower immunity. In several studies published in the National Library of Medicine, good mental health has been shown to improve the immunological mechanisms not only that regulate the health of a person but they are also important to how individuals adapt to the environment around them and reduce inflammation in the body that unchecked can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease. The American Psychological Association also confirms that stress, particularly long-term stress, can reduce the number of natural killer cells or lymphocytes in the body which are needed to fight viruses. In a regular school year once dozens of students are packed into rooms together in close proximity colds and other common viruses and bacteria abound but with more drug-resistant “superbugs” being seen in the U.S. as well as new strains of coronavirus still a concern staying healthy mentally and physically is more important than ever. Mental health includes our psychological, social and emotional well-being. Going through the trials of living through a pandemic has been challenging for children and adults and as a new school year approaches it’s more important than ever to check in with the young people in your life about how their mental health is. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 1 in 3 high school students had experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40% increase since 2009. In 2019, approximately 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan in the past year, a 44% increase since 2009.
The pandemic certainly hasn’t helped. According to one study published by the CDC emergency department visits by children age 12 to 17 for suspected suicide attempts were significantly higher during much of the pandemic compared to previous years. The same study showed that adolescent girls were impacted the greatest with these hospital visits rising more than 50% during the winter of 2021 compared to 2019 nationwide. Mental health problems in youth often go hand-in-hand with other health and behavioral risks like increased risk of drug use, experiencing violence, and higher risk sexual behaviors that can lead to HIV, STDs, and unintended pregnancy. Because many health behaviors and habits are established in adolescence that will carry over into adult years, it is very important to help young people develop good mental health. The good news is that humans are incredibly resilient, and teens are no exception. Even if you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health condition or challenge there are strategies that can help. Children and adolescents need to feel connected to their family and school to be mentally healthy and reach their full potential. Building strong bonds and relationships with adults and friends provide that sense of connection. Just knowing the adults in their life care about them can improve outcomes for teens dramatically. The following are tips to help young people stay healthy mentally or help those who may be struggling: • Communicate openly and honestly, including what their values are. • Supervise children and adolescents to facilitate healthy decision-making. • Spend time with them enjoying shared activities. • Become engaged in school activities and help with homework. • Volunteer at their school. • Communicate regularly with teachers and administrators. Although mental health issues can feel like a major obstacle there are small steps everyone can take to stay healthy. Mentalhealth.gov recommends the following: • Getting professional help if you need it • Connecting with others • Staying positive • Getting physically active • Helping others • Getting enough sleep • Developing healthy coping skills If you or someone you know are struggling, reach out to a local mental health professional or consider these options: Colorado Spirit — A support line the provides safe and anonymous counseling by trained professionals for people of all ages dealing with anxiety, depression, hopelessness, worry or even cabin-ever due to the pandemic. Phone: 970-221-5551 Lifestance – In-person and telehealth counseling for children and adults including families and couples. Accepts all major insurances including Medicaid. Offer appointments within 7 days. Phone: 970-310-3406 Turning Point Center for Youth and Family Development — Specializes in adolescent substance abuse, mental health and trauma. Accepts Medicaid and other major insurances. Phone: 970-221-0999. Suicide crisis intervention: Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County — 482-2209 Crisis Assessment Center (Loveland) — 624-1635 Larimer Center For Mental Health (Loveland) — 494-9870 -hour Colorado ental Health Crisis ree, confidential, and immediate professional help for mental health, substance use, and emotional issues. Providing information, referrals, and connections to further support and solutions. Offering a crisis support line, crisis walk-in centers/stabilization units, mobile care, and respite care. 1-844-493-TALK (8255) www.ColoradoCrisisServices.org or text-phone number 38255 and type TALK in the message. Safe-2-Tell — Colorado provides students and adults in CO an increased ability to both prevent violence and report concerning behaviors by making safe, ANONYMOUS reporting. Make a report: 1-877-542-7233 safe2tellco.org mobile app.
