November 06th, 2024

As we near the end of trimester one with tests and papers coming due, it’s important to remember to take care of ourselves as we work in our classes. 
Mental health is an important part of ourselves, closely correlating with physical health. For example, signs of heavy stress over long periods of time include headaches, fatigue, tiredness, lack of sleep, frustration, and changes in appetite. Little things such as taking a brain break, knowing your limits and respecting them, and not doing things that make us feel scared or threatened are ways of protecting our mental health. 
“I think stress and anxiety are the most common mental health issues that upper school students struggle with as they balance a heavy course load, sports and extracurriculars.” Upper School counselor Sarah Cocowitch said “It is a difficult task for upper schoolers, and understandably there are periods when they are learning to manage their time.”
And North Cross does care about student’s mental health. 
“I appreciate the fact that we have an entire counselor devoted just to students' well-being instead of also being tasked with scheduling classes, the college admissions process and standardized testing,” Cocowitch said, “all of the other huge tasks that public school counselors are asked to be in charge of.” Ms. shares.
Mental health is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Respecting and acknowledging our struggles is kind and important, because no one is made less by respecting and catering to their mental needs. Remember that going to therapy does not belittle us or admit weakness. It is a way of taking care of ourselves. 
“The most common misconception about mental health that I encounter when working with the North Cross student body is probably the idea that being  ‘mentally healthy equals happiness,’” Cocowitch said “Really what mental health means is experiencing the wide range of ups and downs in life and knowing how to work through the lows, we have to cope with the hard days and recognize that that's all a normal part of our life's experiences.”
Tudor House, which some of our classmates are involved in, is a good resource for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Suicidal thoughts or contemplating suicide is not to be taken lightly, nor is a laughing matter. 
“I hope that all the upper school students know that they can seek out my support at any time when they feel things have become unmanageable or too difficult to carry on their own,” Cocowitch said, ”And I hope they know that I am also happy to help connect students and families to outside resources.” 
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out quickly and that communication saves lives. 
Please try to use person-first language, and reach out to someone we think could be struggling. Person-First language puts the person before the deed, such as, “ died by suicide,” not “they committed suicide.”
Avoid talking about mental health or mental health issues with a negative connotation, because mental struggles are not and have never been a choice. 
Taking care of ourselves and loving yourself really is very important, and while mental health is important, it is not a reason to skip school unless we are really struggling. In fact, spending time with our friends could improve how we are feeling. 

If you feel you or someone else is at risk, the suicide hotline is 988. You can call for yourself or a friend, family member, or important other. ​