Last updated on November 22, 2022
In Nevada, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth. However, this issue is rarely addressed despite its prominence in our community because youth mental health continues to be a taboo subject. Although it is typically not a topic taken seriously in schools, it is still important to remember its significance as the school year begins.
Mental health is often a sensitive topic for the majority of people, which makes it difficult to discuss in both our daily lives and at school. Nevertheless, most people, if not all, struggle with mental health problems. Many teens have lost a loved one to suicide, many struggle with their intruding thoughts on a daily basis, and most deal with these problems behind closed doors instead of seeking help. Whether it be depression, anxiety, grief, stress, an eating disorder, home situations, or academic pressure, mental health continues to play a role in our everyday lives even if nobody talks about their inner conflicts. We are often told to consult a trusted adult or seek professional help, but many may find it challenging to take the first step due to personal problems or unforeseen circumstances. As the school year progresses, it can become even more difficult to face these problems, leading to buried feelings and more stress.
As a result, it is crucial to take care of your mental health one step at a time. This may be easier said than done, but small efforts can lead to a drastic change in the long run. Even something as simple as getting up in the morning or brushing your teeth or taking a day off for self-care demonstrates mental strength. It is also important to recognize that every effort you make is something to be proud of regardless of how insignificant it seems. A small step forward is still progress.
When things get too overwhelming and exhausting, remember that you are a human being who is allowed to have feelings. Don’t force yourself to stay up until 2 am doing homework, don’t push yourself to be absolutely perfect at everything, don’t invalidate your issues just because it seems like someone else has it worse, and most importantly, remember that your happiness and health should be more important than anything else. So as the school year begins, try to take care of your mental health to the best of your ability and take pride in the fact that you’ve come this far. Your accomplishments, efforts, thoughts, feelings, and struggles will always be valid no matter what anyone says.
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