Written by Manaswini Dixit
With the hybrid and VLA model leaving plenty of room for worry and isolation and less room for in-person interactions with friends and teachers, the pandemic has brought an increase in mental health problems for teens.
“Nobody talks. Nobody talks in class. Even if you have a friend or are assigned to work in a group, people end up doing it alone,” said Marina, who is using a changed name for privacy reasons.
Marina is not alone in her struggles. According to experts, since the pandemic, the number of students seeking mental health help has increased. Throughout the process, students say they have learned that reaching out to counselors, psychologists, teachers, or friends, has significantly strengthened mental health during this difficult period.
Even during the hybrid model, feelings of anxiety and isolation seemed to elevate, Marina said.
Eventually, she began sharing how she felt with friends, counselors, and even a teacher. Since reaching out, Marina says she has more motivation to complete her school work, has less anxiety, and feels much happier. Yet, she understands being a senior at this time is difficult.
“I guess I feel floaty like I barely remember finishing school last year and have sort of lost the concept of time. I feel numb like I’m moving forward through the year but it doesn’t feel like it,” Marina said.
That feeling tends to resonate with a lot of us throughout the year, but Marina also offers some ideas on how to lessen the feeling of being lost and stressed. For example, a teen homework support group could lighten students’ workload and feel more connected to other students who may be struggling during these times as well.
“Honestly just taking the first step to getting some help is scary but looking back, it was totally worth it,” she said.
Jane, on the other hand, describes herself as an independent person, which is why she loves the freedom that comes with being a VLA student. But it wasn't always like this, she added. “The first few months were pretty rough on me emotionally,” Jane said, who is also using a changed name for privacy.
It took a few months but eventually after seeing her friends at work and reaching out to a teacher, she began to feel much better. Jane does have some insight into how people who have experienced the same emotional distress can recover.
She argues that communicating your feelings to another friend is much easier than talking to an adult because you've already developed a trusting relationship and are more often than not experiencing the same concerns and stresses.
However, she emphasizes the importance of not hesitating to reach out as it is vital in taking control of your own mental health.
Marina and Jane's suggestions are echoed by mental health professionals from the district. At East Ridge High School, school psychologist, Ms. Katherine Seltz, is one of several people available to talk with students and help them find tools to aid their mental health. In addition, Youth Services Bureau offers the same support to students in South Washington County.
Rebekah Windschitl, a youth and family therapist at the Youth Services Bureau, says she has seen the number of students seeking support skyrocket this year. This is why Windschitl is a major proponent of providing full-time mental health therapists in schools to support students, as well as professional aid days for teachers to learn all facets of mental health in order to educate students in the classroom.
ERHS school psychologist Ms. Seltz says, mental health workers are are working with teachers to integrate mindful, mental health lessons and activities into instruction.
However, they work to find ways to balance the need to cover the academic curriculum AND addressing emotional/mental health needs. This is especially difficult with the decreases time they have with students in the Hybrid and VLA models.
In the meantime, Seltz says the district is moving in the right direction in terms of raising awareness of mental health. Seltz believes that she and the other mental health staff at ERHS are trying their best to ensure that students are aware that they are available and ready to help those in need. Seltz has seen many teachers make an effort and reach out to students, build trust and actively engage in mental health discussions in the classroom; remote and in person.
Seltz also advocates for students to take that first step to participate in clubs, reach out to old friends, and get into a solid routine. Having a strong network of family and friends, restricting screen time (specifically on social media), and focusing on expressing gratitude will help you conquer the negatives and achieve a greater sense of well-being, Windschitl said.
Due to the restrictions brought on by the pandemic, Seltz advocates finding things that we can control, such as eating right, spending time outside, being physically active, prioritizing sleep, and reaching out for help when needed, which will help regain balance and stability in our lives.
Seltz’s advice to students is to take advantage of all the services available to help them succeed at school and at home. Students should feel free to access the school’s mental health staff, which includes, counselors, school psychologists, and social workers. Each expert’s advice reminds students that this difficult time will come to pass and we as East Ridge Students should not just be concerned about surviving when we all have the facility to thrive.
Resources for ERHS students:
School Counselors
Student last names A-Cp: Ms. Kayla Pedersen – kpederse@sowashco.org
Student last names Cr-Hem: Ms. Melissa Muñoz – mmunoz@sowashco.org
Student last names Hen-Le: Ms. Jennifer Elsesser – jelsesse@sowashco.org
Student last names Lf-O: Ms. Michelle Kimpton – mkimpton@sowashco.org
Student last names P-So: Ms. Carolle Huttemier – chuttemi@sowashco.org
Student last names Sp-Z: Ms. Raeann Schultz – rschultz@sowashco.org
School Psychologists
Ms. Katherine Seltz – kseltz@sowashco.org
Ms. Kathryn Quinn – kquinn@sowashco.org
School Social Worker – Mr. Alphonse Shropshire – ashropsh@sowashco.org
School Nurse – Ms. Greta Peterson – gpeterso@sowashco.org
