From the ages of 13 to 18, one out of every five teenagers struggle with severe mental health which is an estimated 26% of the population, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. You can walk down the halls of RHS and hear jokes about mental health, issues that other students are struggling with, and recent student suicides, but how are we taking action?

We live in a world where mental health is either joked about or swept under the rug. Many of us have things that could shatter us at any moment, but the problem is we don’t talk about it enough. Normalizing talking and getting help is one of the first steps we can take to start to heal and strengthen our mental health. 

“I think just talking to someone you know, talking to a trusted adult, whether that be a parent or another relative, a teacher, a coach, a counselor, or an administrator. There are people here who are willing to help, willing to listen. I wouldn’t want anybody to feel like they have to keep it bottled up inside. Just talk to somebody about it,” Principal Mr. Brian Martin stated.

It’s okay to not be okay, but when you are not okay, reach out and get help. Hiding from your problems, keeping them bottled up and pushed down inside is unhealthy. Taking care of yourself mentally can help you improve your physical health as well.  

Counselor Mrs. Angie Raby stated, “What you are feeling is okay, whatever your feelings are, it is okay, but we have to know that they don’t control us. Our feelings do not control us. They are great because they’re a guide for us, but we are responsible for what we do with them, and we have to push through.”

While the counselors focus more on self awareness and our personal feelings, some students feel that we should be more conscious of other people’s feelings. 

Senior Natalie Craven said, “I think it’s important that people are aware of other people, because some people just go around calling people names and stuff. You should be nice to others. I think everyone should be aware and not walk on eggshells around people, but definitely be considerate of how someone else is feeling.”

There are also several healthy ways to cope and get through the bad days. Finding an outlet can be used to better your mental health.

Craven stated, “I suggest surrounding yourselves with a ton of people that support you and that you can talk to. And see a specialist because they give really good advice.” 

From the perspective of an adult versus student there are different things you can do and try to help with your mental health. 

“Put the phone down, stay off social media. Phones and social media have such a negative impact on mental health. Take care of your bodies, eat right and exercise. You want to spend as much time focusing on your mental health as you do your physical health, so make that a priority,” stated Martin. 

With the many more recent suicides in our area has made such a huge impact on the community and school. Finding ways to help others and yourself is important because your life matters.

Senior Sarisa Helton stated, “Mental health causes multiple suicides, and that can hurt people around them. But it is truthful, it causes a lot of suicides and there are more and more every single day… and you don’t have to be alone. Even if you think you are going through it alone, you’re not. You can always get help.”

Try to find your healthy way of coping and talk to someone you trust, it can really help you and could possibly save your life. If you don’t have someone and you need help, please call 988 – the suicide prevention lifeline. Please get the help you deserve and keep fighting when you are going through mental battles.