Everyone deals with mental health struggles, but a lot of young people still don’t feel comfortable talking about it. That’s why Columbia Heights High School (CHHS) is using Mental Health Awareness Month to start a real dialogue and help break the stigma. By taking time this month to highlight conditions such as depression, ADHD and more, CHHS hopes to not only raise awareness but also help students understand why these conversations matter.
“Mental Health Awareness Month in May is so important because it gives us the chance to educate, support and normalize conversations about mental well-being,” Columbia Heights social worker Ms. Cathy Springhorn said. “It helps students and families understand that mental health is just as real and important as physical health.”
Mental Health Awareness Month helps children, teens and adults alike understand how mental illnesses of all kinds can affect daily life as well as promote available resources and encourage advocacy—even for those not directly affected. By raising awareness and sparking discussion, anyone who suffers or has a loved one who suffers from any number of issues can do their part to debunk stereotypes, pass on knowledge and support those struggling to seek help.
Thankfully, the stigma surrounding mental health is profoundly decreasing every year with initiatives like the USC #SpeakYourMind Ice Bucket Challenge and Minnesota’s recently signed-into-law Mental Health Care Act for youth, but it doesn’t mean that everybody is informed on what the broad term “mental health” actually comprises. Mental health awareness has grown significantly, allowing social media platforms such as TikTok, X and Instagram to shine a light on common and universal struggles such as social anxiety, OCD and stress disorders.
The Heights Herald spoke with Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS) psychologist Ms. Angela Jacobson about common mental health challenges students face and the resources available at school for students looking for additional support.
“The most common mental health challenges we see at high school are anxiety and depression,” Jacobson said. “The best way to support students is for them to reach out to a school social worker. We have two this year: Caitlin Whitney (10th and 12th grade) and Cathy Springhorn (9th and 11th grade). Both social workers are in the main office across from the nurse. I am also a resource for students as the school psychologist, Angela Jacobson (Room 222).”
When thinking of mental health, some may think “It’s just an excuse” or “They’re just being lazy” to avoid doing work. Yet, viewing mental health as linear is purposely ignoring the issue at hand and doesn’t help bring awareness or understanding at all. The term “mental health” refers to and encompasses the emotional, psychological and social well-being of a person—ranging and scaling differently for each individual.
“We also have a full-time therapist this year from Washburn Center for Children. Her name is Amanda Thomas and she is in the media center,” Jacobson said. “In order to receive services from the therapist, we need to make a referral and have parent permission. To make an appointment with the social worker or school psychologist, just stop by and ask for an appointment or we all respond to emails. There are also many online resources that students can access such as Change to Chill and the Trevor Project.”
- Caitlin Whitney. ([email protected])
- Cathy Springhorn ([email protected])
- Angela Jacobson ([email protected])
In an interview with the Heights Herald, Dr. Crystal Lean, Psy.D. at Allina Health emphasized the importance of making mental health resources easy for teens to find. Without clear guidance in a school environment, many teens may not know where to turn or may feel too overwhelmed to seek help on their own.
“Most teenagers I often see all have something in common: they are unable to properly find specific resources best suited to their needs,” Dr. Lean said. “The best way to keep resources available for teens is through schools. Simple flyers or daily announcements about people and opportunities available to them. If teenagers cannot easily find resources, they won’t go looking for them.”
While the internet is at everyone’s fingertips, the time and energy it takes to go from search engine to actually finding, retaining and consistently accessing mental health resources can be draining for even the average person with few to no mental illnesses, so for someone who experiences listlessness, self-doubt and other common symptoms, it can be even more difficult.
“More popular and universally well-known hotlines are available for all students to use,” Mayberry said. “The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 free support by calling or texting 988. The Crisis Text Line connects you with a trained counselor, just text “HOME” to 741-741. For LGBTQ+ students, The Trevor Project offers support at 1-866-488-7386 or the trevor project.org. You can also reach out to Teen Line by texting “TEEN” to 839-863.”
It is important to know that everyone, especially adolescents, commonly experiences feelings of sadness, worry and so much more. When these feelings start to impact one’s ability to focus on assignments, engage in person at school, complete daily tasks, interact socially with friends or family or even attend school, strongly consider talking to someone about what you’re going through. As we approach the summer, which can be freeing and relaxing for some and a time of great uncertainty and lack of structure for others, it’s important to remember that mental health struggles are common, but they can be overcome.
