Mental health has always been an issue of concern among teenagers. However, since the COVID pandemic, the mental health crisis has been a main focus of counselors, teachers, and administrators. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control, “During July 26–August 22, 2020, the mean weekly number of ED visits for suspected suicide attempts among girls aged 12–17 years was 26.2% higher than during the same period a year earlier; during February 21–March 20, 2021, mean weekly ED visit counts for suspected suicide attempts were 50.6% higher among girls aged 12–17 years compared with the same period in 2019.” 

Suicide is a sensitive topic but one that needs to be talked about. School systems across the country have been creating programs and services to best help serve students struggling with mental health.

For the past two academic years, CSD has offered students access to a national service known as the Say Something Program. Say Something, a phone application, website, and hotline, is an outlet for students who want to talk to an anonymous source about their friends who are struggling or who may pose a concern for a student’s safety. This program allows students to talk to an adult while remaining 100 percent anonymous if they feel uncomfortable saying their name. Going to a counselor, teacher, or even your parents can be difficult. Nevertheless, CSD Administrator Ann Marie McAfee shared with staff that,“…approximately 97% of our high school students responding to our exit survey named at least one trusted staff member at school that they feel comfortable going to with such concerns.”  

She went on to share, “It is important to remember that while many protective factors can buffer the likelihood of adolescent violence and self-harm, establishing warm and caring relationships with teachers and other caring adults is one of the most important ways to contribute to healthy adolescent development. In fact, local safety experts who consult with CSD have shared that these strong relationships and connections are the most important protective factor CSD has to offer to prevent tragedies such as this.”  

Wyatt Hobbs, a sophomore at CSD, thinks the Say Something Program is a good outlet for students who may not feel comfortable talking with an adult at CSD or a parent. Hobbs said, “it’s not always best for you to go to someone you know if you aren’t comfortable giving the whole story or leaving out key details.” 

Hobbs thinks it’s also very important to think of your own mental health and make sure you’re okay. ”I always make time to do the things I like no matter if it’s walking my dog or shooting basketball outside.” 

Abby Guise, a senior at CSD, believes that you should make your own mental health a priority because if you are not happy, everything suddenly becomes difficult to navigate. Guise said, “I try and take a walk or just scroll on my phone for an hour so I can have time to myself doing what I enjoy.” 

Guise and Hobbs both had very similar ideas on how they keep their mental health up to a good standard. This goes to show that all kinds of students have similar problems with which they can help each other deal.