Navigating the Struggles of Mental Health

The National Alliance of Mental Illness characterizes some symptoms of struggle as “excessive worrying or fear… extreme mood changes…” and “overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs.” When facing such adversities, high school students often feel compelled to remain silent and bear the difficulties on their own. If you are reading this and currently battling mental health struggles or suspect someone you know may be, you are not alone. The path can be harrowing and navigation can only be made possible with support. Even though mental health is often portrayed as only concerning the victim, the surrounding family and friends are also able to recognize signs of struggle and help face the battle with them.

While most may not be detected by their peers, teens struggling with depression show a tendency of fatigue, perfectionism, and change in appetite. Some of these harmful symptoms may be visible to others, and noticing these signs in others is vital. . Charlotte Ford, a sophomore at RHS states that to distinguish mental health struggles she would be looking for whether they are “out of it, if they’re not paying attention, or if they always act like something is on their mind”. Though not dependable for all victims, Charlotte’s interpretations are generally accurate when suspecting somebody of struggle.

Not only do mental health ailments affect the victim, but families and friends may also succumb to the struggle of guilt when feeling helpless to aid their loved one. This feeling is natural, and can be supplemented in many ways. For more severe cases, it may be necessary to obtain outside help for their relative such as residential rehabilitation, emergency services, and medical treatments. In other cases, mental health struggles can be assuaged simply through emotional support, expressing concern, and constant assurance that they are prioritizing their well-being.

Both experiencing and attempting to aid psychiatric disorders requires immense care and time, but can be remedied. Above all, remember that no matter how difficult the journey becomes, you are never alone.