Published Dec. 13, 2022
By TERESA FRAHM
For the past 20 years, mental health issues among students have been rising, reaching crisis levels nationwide. The National Institute of Mental Health places the number of teenagers who have either recently struggled or are currently struggling with a mental disorder at 49.5%, a trend which, according to local experts, continues at CHS.
”There’s definitely more that’s going on, and it’s not necessarily always reported,” says social worker Lauren Capano, who supports students at Carmel High School’s wellness center.
The pandemic played a profound role in exacerbating challenges for many teens. The repercussions of the shelter in place and the following year of what many students experienced as almost continuous social isolation have been noticeable both by professionals and teens themselves. Now, as the end of the winter semester approaches, Carmel High students face increases in stress and mental health challenges stemming from academic pressures, holiday anxieties and seasonal factors.
“Children and teens had to isolate, giving up developmental milestones that help them become healthy, productive, happy adults,” notes Lori Butterworth, CEO of AIM Youth Mental Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating awareness about youth mental health. “This whole generation gave that up to protect older people and medically fragile people. We owe it to this generation. We cannot ignore it.”
The winter season in particular has been found to have a disproportionate effect on mental health, a trend which proves especially noticeable in students as stressors such as finals, college applications and holidays heighten preexisting challenges. For some students, this can become overwhelming.
“Everything just piled up and it was too much,” adds junior Leslie Gonzalez-Padilla. “I’ve been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and I didn’t think it would really affect me, but this year it did.”
The added pressure of the end of the academic season evokes significantly more tension than the more monotonous central period of the year.
“Finals bring stress, they bring anxiety,” notes Lorena Cruz-Rodriguez, licensed therapist at the CHS wellness center. “At the end of the semester there’s deadlines, there’s stuff happening, and naturally that raises a level of stress in students.”
Compounding the stress of direct academic pressures, the perceived urgency of impending deadlines can create an overwhelming environment for already struggling students.
“You’re too busy to think about being sad,” says senior Teagan Puryear. “And when you’re not busy, it all hits you.”
The physical aspects of the season itself can have a negative impact on many students’ mental well-being. Cruz-Rodriguez says that the shorter days and restricted activities do have an effect on some students.
A student speaks to social worker Lauren Capano in the CHS wellness center. (photo by TERESA FRAHM)
“This time of year, I just get tired,” senior Cassidy Bullas says. “I’m exhausted all the time. It’s too cold, and it’s too dark to do much of anything.”
Carmel High School has several resources available to struggling students, chief among them being the wellness center, open to students during all hours of the school day. The wellness staff provide a positive and safe space for students who otherwise may not have a readily available support system.
“The number one protective factor for youth mental health is a trusted adult,” says Butterworth, who adds that AIM provides a certification program for adults, especially those in a position of influence over youth such as teachers, parents and police to learn how to aid struggling teenagers.
“My dream would be that every teacher would take the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training and that they get certified,” Butterworth adds. “That’s our goal: to get as many adults trained as we can.”
As national recognition of mental health challenges in students has grown, so have supportive programs. In July 2022, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline went into effect to operate alongside 911, reachable by dialing 988. Intended both to relieve pressure on the emergency number and to allow for callers to be able to connect with trained receivers instead of general dispatchers, its implementation has been lauded as life-saving.
Independent of external aid, many students have developed ways to mitigate school-related stress and anxiety on their own and through the support of trusted friends and peers.
“I usually make lists,” Bullas says. “Most of my stress comes from feeling like I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing or there’s too much to do. If I write them down, I see there’s not actually that much to do. I can do it, I have time.”
Though there is room for improvement in terms of support and awareness for student mental health, Capano says providing safe spaces for candid relationships and conversation is a powerful place to start.
“It makes a huge difference just knowing that you’re seen and heard,” Capano adds, “knowing that you’re not alone. That can go a long way.”
