According to the philanthropic community, Stand Together, 9.4% of children had an anxiety disorder in 2019. That’s approximately 5.8 million young people. It has been shown that depression and anxiety in students have increased over the past decade. Statistics have shown that over time we will see a growth in these numbers.
“My mental health has been affected by school. I think that most mental health problems have to deal with things going on outside of school but some of it may come from school and the amount of workload that us students are given might be stressful,” senior Arianna Calixto said.
Some say that more awareness has been brought to mental health struggles, others say that schools are still not taking action. Freshman Raylee Olsowsky was unaware if we even had a guidance counselor on campus. Just like Olsowsky other students do not know if the campus has a guidance counselor, which often leaves the students without a support system inside campus.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know that there was guidance counselor on campus,” Calixto said.
Students might not be comfortable talking about their feelings with their parents, so they rely on other sources such as teachers and friends to talk to about their mental health.
“I personally talk to teachers if I have any problems. I think that talking to teachers gives adult feedback and tips but also does not cross a boundary like talking to a guidance counselor might,” Olsowsky said.
Students also may not feel comfortable talking with the school’s guidance counselors because of the unfamiliarity they have with them.
“I have been to the guidance counselor before, and I did not feel comfortable because most the time you know nothing about them, unlike with the teacher, you see them nearly every day, and you build that relationship with them and you get to trust them, rather than talking to a person that I don’t know at all,” Olsowsky said.
This possible disconnect between students and guidance counselors might reflect student’s academics and behavior. Biology teacher Diana Albitre shares that in her high school years she struggled with her mental health.
“When I was in Middle school and High school I struggled with my mental health significantly. I was going through a tough time at home and it eventually led to me struggling to keep up at school, my grades were dropping, and I was getting into trouble at school,” Albitre said.
As a staff member and teacher Albitre wants the best for her students. Albitre hopes that as a staff member, students will feel comfortable reaching out for help.
“As staff, we are here to help you and provide you with love and support. If you do not feel comfortable, please talk to a friend or trusted adult. Remember that you matter, and you are very loved. Take care of yourself and always be kind,” Albitre said.
Even though most students don’t know if there is a guidance counselor on campus, there is. Her name is Mrs. Rosa Reyes and usually can be found near the main office in room 102E
