As the new school year has begun, academic pressures and social dynamics have started to evolve. Many students face mental health challenges from rising stress, trying to balance schoolwork with personal well being. For over ten years, the mental health of America’s teenagers has gradually worsened.
School administrators at FHHS have taken steps to enhance students’ access to mental health resources. One key initiative is TeenSpace, a program where students have access to free therapy sessions.
In addition to TeenSpace, FHHS has provided a variety of mental health resources available on the official website. It includes links to various organizations that provide aid with LGBTQ+ support along with many forms of trauma.
Teachers also play an important role in students’ mental health, as they’re the ones students see regularly. Teachers contribute by providing a safe and open classroom environment, where students feel safe to seek help and express their concerns. Social Studies teacher Mr. Meiri states, “I try to create a welcoming environment where if a student feels like they if they require help, they can ask for that help. Often students feel stressed or worried that they’ll look stupid if they ask for support, so I make it clear that seeking for support is not a sign of weakness. [It’s] not a sign of being a dumb person and everybody needs support.”
These efforts by teachers have not gone unnoticed. Abdurakhmanova Bonu, a freshman student states, “When I first started my freshman year, I was really anxious about what high school would be like. But thanks to my teachers, I have felt a sense of welcoming and comforting environment within my classroom.”
Adults in the school building often recognize when a student may be struggling either academically or emotionally. Mr. Romano, English and ENL teacher expresses, “I am very perceptive to students on how they appear everyday, so if a a student was to appear a little different, then I am definitely going to ask questions.”
Despite all the help and resources provided by FHHS, interviews with students suggest that many students remain unaware of the help available to them. “No, I was not aware that there were websites that were meant to help with anxiety and stress,” anonymous sophomore student shares.
This indicates that while FHHS has been progressing in supporting students mental health, perhaps there is more to be done to ensure students are aware of these resources.
Teachers collaborate with school counselors, ensuring students health are not harmful to both them and others. “If a student explains something that’s harmful to them or makes me worry a little bit, I am going to contact the guidance counselor,” Mr. Romano says.
Similarly, Mr. Meiri agrees that speaking with guidance counselors is healthy. “If there is a broader issue, I will try to resolve and see where there might be help, but I would advise them on talking to the guidance counselors,” Mr. Meiri shares.
