According to the World Health Organization, good mental health is "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community."
According to the ACOG, at least 1 in 5 9- to 17-year-olds currently have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and according to the NIMH, about 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness in the U.S. They also report that only half of the people with a mental illness receive treatment. As of 2021, mental health affects about 13% of the world’s population according to SingleCare.
Managing mental health is really important. Poor mental health can lead to mental health disorders such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, addictive disorders, schizophrenia, and more. All of these affect your behavior, mood, and way of thinking.
Mental health is important in every stage of your life, from childhood to adulthood. Mental health, if not treated, can increase the risks of other health issues, such as cardiovascular problems, according to a study conducted by the American Heart Association. By not managing your mental health, you are putting at risk day-to-day things such as friendships, relationships, and jobs.
A few interviews were conducted at Middle Creek High School to obtain thoughts and tips on mental health.
Lizbeth Gonzalez
Lizbeth Gonzalez is a 16-year-old student currently attending Middle Creek High School.
When asked about her thoughts on mental health, Lizbeth mentions she thinks mental health is as important as physical health. ”If your brain isn’t in a good place, then your overall health is going to decline.” Some management strategies she has done are going on walks, painting her nails, and turning her phone off so she can take time for herself. She wants to encourage people to seek help and talk to someone about their problems instead of staying quiet.
Love yourself and focus on yourself.
- Lizbeth Gonzalez
Jordan Lee
Jordan Lee is a 15-year-old student attending Middle Creek High School. When asked about his thoughts on mental health, he states, “I think it’s important and it should be taken very seriously. It can lead people to take drastic measures.” Jordan tries to be there for his friends when needed and thinks it's really important to check on those you love every now and then. A management strategy he’s done himself is recognizing what's going on, so that way he is able to pull it back together. Jordan has learned from personal experience with his friends that checking on people you love means a lot. He says it makes them feel valued and important. He really values people helping those around them.
Check on those you love.
- Jordan Lee
Nancy Trejo
Nancy Trejo is a 17-year-old student currently attending Middle Creek High School. When asked about her thoughts on mental health, Nancy mentions that she thinks mental health is not taken as seriously as it should nor talked about enough. “I think mental health is very important [because] it affects one's actions and thoughts.” Some management strategies she uses are to think of things that make her happy, listen to music, and write down her thoughts. “Management strategies help me calm down,” Nancy explains. Nancy thinks people should just be themselves and shouldn’t stay quiet. ''Once it builds up, it can lead to poor decisions.”
Every ending creates a new beginning. Create the best you can.
- Nancy Trejo
Emmanuel Reyes
Emmanuel Reyes is a 17-year-student attending Middle Creek High School. Emmanuel thinks mental health is important and that everyone should look deep within and check themselves. Emmanuel tends to think of things that make him happy or do certain activities that brighten his mood, such as gaming. He believes management strategies can help you just reset and calm down. Emmanuel thinks helping your friends and checking on them is really important since it shows you care.
Always look to better yourself. There is always hope.
- Emmanuel Reyes
Mr. Colbeck
Mr.Colbeck is a 29-year-old Earth Science and Biology Teacher at Middle Creek High School. He’s a first year teacher and is a former Navy Corpsman (medic). Mr. Colbeck thinks mental health topics are still not talked about as much as they should be. He mentions, “Certain areas of society are better than others at discussing it; however, people still suffer in silence everyday, and we need to be better at breaking down the walls of insecurities and make it be a good thing that people want to talk to someone if they are dealing with certain issues.”
Mr.Colbeck thinks it’s important to have people talk about their issues with someone who is willing to listen. He mentions that these people do not necessarily have to be health professionals but can be close friends and family members. Although, if needed, you should seek professionals like a doctor or counselor, since these are professionals trained to help you. He states, “Nobody is ever too far gone to be helped, and you are worth it.”
Mr.Colbeck has dealt with a fair share of mental health issues, which emerged from his time in the military and transitioning back to civilian life. He mentions it was difficult at times, but with support of his family and seeking some counseling, he feels like he’s in a better place mentally than ever before. He believes mental health should be treated like physical health. “We should have yearly check ups with our doctors to identify issues early on to be able to help with strategies on combating current or future issues,” he states. Mr.Colbeck believes we should let ourselves be vulnerable and get help if needed. He says that it can be challenging at times, but you don’t have to feel a certain way forever. Finding something to invest your time and energy in can be beneficial. He suggests finding a hobby, volunteering somewhere, or getting involved with your church or any community event.
Lastly, Mr.Colbeck wants to mention, “It’s okay to not be okay. It will get better. That is not just a hyperbole. I am proof that even in your darkest moments, just knowing that things will get better can be just enough to get you through whatever it is you are dealing with.”
It’s okay to not be okay.
- Mr.Colbeck
Life can be hard. Whatever it is you are going through, just know it won’t last forever.
Your time to be happy will come soon. Life is long, so take it slow. Don’t feel pressured, even when you're out of breath and feel like you can’t run any longer. It’s okay to pause. There is no need to run without knowing the reason. Take time for yourself. Love yourself more, because you are important and you are valued. Know your worth. Don’t let anyone tell you any different.