Thoughts on Mental Health

MILES SAUER JESSIE HENSEL Staff Writer Staff Writer

Have you ever struggled with mental health problems?

25%- No

75%- Yes 75% of students at LHS reported that they have struggled with mental health issues and 95% of students know somebody who struggles with mental health.

Mental health among adolescents is a big issue in the United States. According to the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), “1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14.” Awareness for mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, have been put under a major spotlight online and many people nationwide have become more public about the struggles they’re facing. With this whirlwind of awareness for mental health issues, how are Lindbergh students faring? According to a poll consisting of 133 LHS students, 101 reported dealing with mental health problems, representing roughly 76% of students surveyed. Some, like Megan Tenessen (12), shared their personal struggles. “I deal with obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety. A close family member of mine has schizophrenia. While I don’t have this specifically, it still affects me every day... My OCD impacts my stress level and anxiety. I, occasionally, will have trouble leaving the house because of the compulsive need to check things (like outlets or the stove), and feeling that if I don’t, the house could burn down. Anxiety and depression can make motivation to complete school work difficult and impact the way I approach stressful school events or tests. It can be very overwhelming and difficult to go to school in an unhappy anxious state of mind. My depression was worst about a year ago but has gotten much better through help,” Tenessen said Londynn Indigo (12) has had their own tough experiences with mental health.

“I struggle with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, paranoia, trichotillomania, dermatillomania, and restrictive eating disorder… It can 12 News 3.23.20

often be hard for me to get through a school day. I struggle to get my school work done because I often feel such a deep apathy towards my entire existence that I just can’t bring myself to do anything. I have lost a lot of friends because when I get into an anxious or depressed state, it can be hard on those around me. I get upset over small things. People don’t always understand why I do things or don’t do things, so it can cause conflict with people,” Indigo said. Even among those who had not previously experienced mental health issues, 96 percent of students surveyed

know others at Lindbergh High School with mental health struggles. For those

with and without mental illness, the question was posed- “On a scale of 1-5, how well do you think the school accommodates those struggling with mental illness?” Responses were mixed. More students chose a 3, or “average” level of accomodations, than any other response, closely followed by a 2, or “below average” level of accomodations. Students also took the time to comment on why they believed their answer was the most accurate to the resources offered. “I think the new schedule has reduced a lot of stress for most students and more conversations are happening, which is productive. However, something else can always be done; the progress should never stop,” one student said. Another student commented, “[Lindbergh] has no functional resources. I received more help from friends than the counselors.” For those who are seeking help to deal with mental health outside school outreach, CHADS club is a group which tries to bring counseling and education about mental health to those who are interested and can help those struggling.