Adolescence and mental health. It’s important, really important, to talk to young people about mental health. The Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club, advised by Christine Guarino, hosted an amazing interactive program that provided students with education and resources about mental health.
Maria Edoni, Hudson Valley/Westchester Region Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org), facilitated the event. She emphasized from the beginning that talking about mental health and challenges is not a sign of weakness that one faces.
Changes in mental health – this can be affected by many things including emotions and feelings, peer pressure, environmental factors, trauma, school, friends. One’s physical health can affect one’s mental health.
“If you’re unhappy or stressed, your body can be tired, tired, tired,” she said. “Mental health is directly affected by physical health.”
She gave the example of someone with a physical injury who cannot do the things they love. This can lead to depression.
Bullying can also lead to depression and have disastrous consequences if one feels hopeless and unable to deal with the pain.
Ms Edoni noted that many teenagers feel more comfortable talking to their peers when they feel vulnerable. Some, however, may not, and keep their feelings private. She gave some conversation starters and parameters to help them talk if you notice a change in someone. This is not an easy conversation.
- Start the conversation privately and don’t make a scene. Give them an opening
- Ask how they are on a scale of 1-10.
- Ask why they are having these issues and note what changes you have noticed in them. It shows you care.
- Let them talk.
- Don’t judge.
- Do not promise confidentiality. If they need help, you want to go to someone who can provide it.
- If someone is talking about self-harm or abuse, they need help outside of a partner. Even if they get angry with you.
- Be direct – If you are concerned about suicide, ask directly. You will not put the thought in their head.
- Don’t tell them what to do. You are not a therapist. Suggest that they get help.
People with mental health issues as well as those trying to help a friend going through a severe mental health episode can call 988. If confidential and available 24 hours a day.
Students were a big part of this conversation. Ms. Edoni threw a ball to the students to give them a chance to share. They talked about the importance of self-care. One student shared that playing soccer is great for him. Physical exercise helps and also helps people to socialize. After school clubs also provide a sense of community and belonging.
This month at PBHS is Freshers Wellness Day and they will talk about the many ways to maintain good mental health and manage stress. Anxiety is a part of high school and college. It’s important to learn techniques to manage it, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises and daily sun exposure, she said.
Mrs. Idoni, who has been speaking to children about mental health for the past twenty years, thanked the students for their openness and honesty and noted that this generation gives hope for the future! And she gave some advice from her personal experience.
“Sometimes doctors have a hard time asking if you’re mentally okay,” she recalled as she shared her journey and being dismissed by her doctor. “You Must Have Your Own Voice”
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among US high school students in 2023:
- 40% reported persistent feelings of depression or hopelessness in the past year.
- 20% reported having seriously considered a suicide attempt in the past year.
- 16% reported planning suicide in the past year.
- 9% report a suicide attempt in the past year.
- 22% report drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.
- 17% report marijuana use in the past 30 days.
- 4% report abusing prescription pain medication in the past 30 days.
- 10% report illicit drug use.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-19 year olds, behind accidents and homicide.
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