Students Pay Attention to Mental Health Before Finals
Mental illness takes many forms. It can appear as anxiety, depression, or OCD—the list goes on and on. Mental Health problems affect daily life for millions of Americans, and that doesn’t cut out students at Arrowhead.
Why is mental health so important? Mental illnesses can be debilitating, and it is often something that can’t be seen like a physical illness.
Sara Artiles, a senior at Arrowhead said, “to me mental health awareness is making sure that you are taking care of yourself before others. It’s not selfish; it’s simply taking care of yourself.”
As Covid-19 and the pandemic is still prevalent, it can impact mental health. Winter is also the time of year when seasonal depression can worsen. People grieving and dealing with loss can also be more affected as the holiday season arrives. With the end of semester approaching quickly, final exam stress can also be a factor in mental health decreasing.
On Friday December 17th, students were asked by HOSA to wear green in support of mental illness. There was a slide posted on the study hall screens. Arrowhead also provides counseling and a school psychologist at both campuses that students can go to.
Artiles said, “I know many people that struggle with mental illness, me included. I find that many people do not open up about what they are going through, but there is a problem here at Arrowhead, and it isn’t just about physical illness, it’s about students struggling in silence. I think more needs to be done around here.”
Final Exams take place from January 19-21st. Stress and anxiety from exams approaching is very common.
Lance McKnight, a senior at Arrowhead said, “In order to release stress, I do a fun activity in between studying so I am not only focused on just school. I like to play games with my younger brother, and that is really good at relieving stress.”
Some other options McKnight suggests are
-Taking a nice shower after studying or have a self care day;
-taking fifteen minute breaks in between subjects;
-eating enough food and drink enough water; and
-painting or doing a craft.
Exam time isn’t the only time stress is present. In times of stress, consider
-calling friends;
-playing a game that calms you down;
-taking a bath;
-crying it out; and
-eating some chocolate.
Adam Boldt, the director of student services at Arrowhead, put together a video about Mental Health and the holidays, here.
