Advice Column: Why mental health matters

By Julian E.

We all know how mental health can affect others, but have you thought of how it affects us as students?

Mental Health may seem like a small issue in the eyes of many, but it’s a major issue. It not only affects our mental state but can also affect our physical state and our lives entirely.

I am saying this due to being affected by mental health issues myself. From the outside, people may think you are “unmotivated” and that it’s just “laziness,” but that is not entirely the case or the whole picture. The reason why students feel this way is because of their mental health. When we’re not feeling ok, it affects our state of mind and how we act as people.

The actual symptoms seem to go unnoticed or unrecognized when you’re feeling them, but it’s not just a “phase.” Not feeling mentally well isn’t going to pass and go just like a cold. No, it can latch onto you for however long it stays throughout your lifetime. For instance, if you’re feeling unmotivated, tired, more emotional, and/or you’re struggling to sleep, others may believe this is something you can control, but not precisely. You may be experiencing mental health issues and you don’t even know it.

“Not feeling mentally well isn’t going to pass and go just like a cold. No, it can latch onto you for however long it stays throughout your lifetime.”

Julian E.

Although there is no precise reason why we feel these feelings, there can be a multitude of reasons such as improper self-care, self-criticism, lack of attentive interactions, anti-social interactions, and so on. CATS’ Psychiatric Social Worker Ms. Perez says that there is no shame in any of this and that students should reach out to a trusted adult, whether in school or outside of school, if they are experiencing mental health issues. She says, “there is no shame in revealing who you are to people as this is a stepping stone to a brighter future for you and for your mental state.”

There will always be help available, whether parents or guardians, teacher, friends, or the school social worker. Students should feel aware that they’re not alone when they are experiencing these emotions.

If you are experiencing mental health problems, or thoughts of Depression please reach out to one of your local hotlines or a trusted adult / School Psychiatrist.

Mental Health Support Contact Numbers.

• National Suicide Hotline 988 (Text or Call)

• LAUSD Mental Health Line – (213) 241-3840

• Crisis Text to Home Hotline – 741-741

• Receive a Pep talk from a 5-Year old. 707-873-7862