Opinion: Mental Health, a Team Effort
January 24, 2022
This article is an editorial and was written to show the author’s stance on an issue. It is not a representation of the opinion of CLHS or CCISD.
Recently, society has become more open to the mental health discussion, especially in its youth.
However, even now, there’s a lot of stigmas about reaching out to professionals. For one, many kids invalidate themselves or deny their struggles before considering getting help. Others don’t have the right resources to speak to a real counselor. But overwhelmingly, the avoidance of professional help is due to the discomfort of talking about personal mental health struggles with doctors or counselors, who are essentially, strangers.
These feelings push teens to talk with their peers and friends. This is perfectly understandable. It is perfectly reasonable. And not a shameful act. In fact, it reflects positive development within today’s culture, seeing as those future generation are not afraid of discussing more emotional topics.
However, it results in a lot of pressure being placed on the shoulders of those encouraging/advising their peers.
This is an issue not visited enough, especially among the more vulnerable minds of teens and pre-teens. Many friends of hurting individuals feel the need to be the rock. They fully dedicate themselves to supporting and putting up their depressed or anxious peers. So much so, that this has come close to standard.
Putting all of one’s energy into aiding a peer should not be expected of anyone. No matter the age, experience, and gender. Of course, it is right to care, but caring too much can result in burn out, frustration, and possibly, depression.
There is a very powerful saying within mental health support. “You are not alone.” It’s true. No one struggling mentally should have to support themselves without aide. But if you are the support line, the adviser, the listener, the friend group therapist, you are not alone either.
Mental health is a team effort.
As we begin to broaden the conversation on mental health, we mustn’t forget to supply resources for the friends who help others pull through. It is crucial that this topic is talked about and a key method to preventing the spread of depression.