Mental health needs more focus

By Amiyah Rice

Entertainment Editor 

Mental health has taken devastating measures on student's lifestyles. Students discuss how mental health affects their day-to-day lives and how they prioritize their health. 

ABC Eyewitness News stated that 42% of students in Illinois struggle with mental health issues. 

A student takes a minute to sleep in class. Mental health is something that needs to be prioritized in schools.

Sophomore Melissa Powell prioritizes her mental health by taking days off. However, she said that her AP seminar class causes her added stress. One way Powell balances her mental health is by sleeping and cooking.

“ Stressing about AP Seminar” is Powell's main issue causing her mental health to decline.

Powell said she doesn’t use the resources the school has because they changed her counselor and she doesn’t know them that well.

Senior Katie Johnson said she tries to find outlets to relieve stress, so she does Show Choir and drama.

“I prioritize my mental health by taking the breaks that I need. If I don’t feel like doing work that day like I can’t handle it I don’t do work or I stay home and rest” said Johnson.

As a senior Johnson is ready to leave high school. She stated that she doesn’t feel like doing anything.

Johnson said she mostly struggles with stress when it comes to mental health. She also doesn’t use any resources the school has such as counselors and staff members. 

One way staff members could help students is by “being aware. If you know your student is usually talkative in class and all of a sudden their just not talking just be more observant” said Johnson. 

Johnson feels that the school prioritizes student's mental health. She feels that days should be given to get caught up on work and sometimes student's home life isn’t the best to do work at home.

Sophomore Kiamara Vaughn said she prioritizes her mental health by knowing her limits.

Vaughn said she has noticed a difference in her mental health since the beginning of the second quarter because she has been stressed and has procrastinated more. 

“I take time off of school or off of activities to gather myself and think about what I need to fix,” said Vaughn.

Vaugh said she doesn’t use any resources the school has because she likes to get help out of the school building. Due to certain things the school can’t help her with. 

Teachers should be more understanding that students won’t be on top of their game all the time, said Vaughn. 

Most of the students believe technology has a role in mental health disorders but some believe not. 

Overall students' mental health should be a priority and staff members should be more considerate.