MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Column by Simon Williams

next one.”

Due to the decrease in attendance rates, the school counselors have tried giving students resources to help during these overwhelming times. Conover has noticed that strategies such as planning small breaks can help students tremendously during studying.

Hurst recommends using planners, going to coffee shops and getting small rewards after each finished assignment.

Even with these techniques, schools continue to see students struggle. But overall, Conover believes students should be prepared for future burnout.

“It’s really a life issue. It’s important to be able to put some thought into why it’s happening and kind of analyze what you need at the moment,” Conover said.

May, the hectic month bridging the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation, has been a month dedicated to increasing awareness around mental health for over 70 years. There is still much to be improved upon when it comes to mental health awareness and resources, as the National Institute of Health cites mental health as an area in which current care falls short. This is especially true in a month where 31% of students report that course finals are the biggest source of strain on their mental health. While May is undoubtedly one of the most academically demanding months of the year, with students referring to finals and AP exams as major sources of academic strain, prioritizing mental and physical wellness by getting enough rest, exercising and taking available downtime away from academics or school-related activities can help mitigate stress and anxiety, according to the American Youth Policy Forum.

Finals and midterms are top source of stress for 31% of US students

1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 children experience mental illness annually