HOPE: A suicide hotline is added to all student identification cards for the 2019-2020 school year.
By Mikayla Halstead, Staff Writer
Like a big math problem, mental illness is both confusing and frustrating. It’s often overlooked and forgotten. Without help and support, how will anything get better? Schools are making a big impact in aiding their students’ mental health.
Many Poly students are questioning why the Poly staff placed a suicide hotline on our identification cards, “With the increased incidences of teen suicide nationwide, it is important to bring awareness to our local educational community about the available support options.” says Michael Gull, Poly’s assistant principal. The suicide rates in teenagers ages 13-17 are high and most schools are not aware of the depression or anxiety that their students carry. It is important for the community to be aware of student mental health.
Not only is it important for the educational community to be aware of students’ mental state but also the students themselves. Being aware of one’s mental health displays one step to improvement. “…it is important to bring awareness to our local community about the available support options,” says Gull. There are psychological support options such as adults, medical professionals or school counselors. However, many teens do not believe that psychological support will help so they do not put in the effort when seeing a medical professional. “Part of the way to properly address these increased incidences across the nation is through education and letting everyone involved know there are support programs and trained people to talk with when experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or despair,” says Gull. Getting support is the proper way to improve one’s mental health. Psychologists are not only available to listen to their client, but also introduce coping strategies and medication.
School counselors, medical professionals, and adults can teach their student, child or client how to cope with their feelings. For example, most medical professionals will recommend working with Mandalas. Mandalas, in the Buddhist world, are meant to give stress relief and reduce anxiety. As for depression, it is best to talk to someone who will give a listening ear.
With mental health growing as a massive issue in today’s modern world, the mental state of Poly’s students remains one of the school’s main priorities. “Whether you are a teenager or an adult, life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Issues such as anxiety, stress, depression or feelings of despair can easily present for anyone. When these issues arise, it is important to seek help and communicate what is going on…,” says Gull. The rising presence of depression and anxiety among high schoolers across California has brought awareness to Poly’s campus and community. Through it all, Poly hopes to convey to its students that they will continue to care and fight to break the silence.