Student well-being info graphic

For our second week of the Sources of Strength wheel, we will focus on mental health. Negative mental health is a serious issue teenagers and young adults struggle with throughout their life. Poor mental health is and can be a threat to someone's self-image, self-worth and even their desire to continue living. Having a mental health disorder, such as depression, can lead to a range of behavior and physical symptoms. These may include: changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide. If it is not treated correctly, or it continues to get worse, it can eventually lead to suicide. Anxiety is also an example of a negative mental disorder. Anxiety is something we all have in our lives, but most people have coping mechanisms. When takes over your whole life, that is the time to get help. The sad thing is, because of those two illnesses and many others, a lot of people who struggle feel the need to end their own life. For anyone who's struggling, you are NOT alone. If you are struggling, or considering suicide, there are multiple sources you can go to to get help. One of them is peer leaders. You can go to students identified as peer leaders for help and confide in them. Or, you could go to your trusted adult in the building, for junior high check out the helping hands heart in the junior high commons area. If you are struggling, get help. The Colorado Crisis Services are open 24 hours a day. You can call them at 844-493-8255 or text 38255. There are things you can try on your own like diverting your attention from the bad and focusing on the good. Invest time in your schoolwork, spend more time with your friends and family, eat a good meal (most people with depression tend not to eat), take a break from society's demands and focus on yourself. You are in charge of you. People can help, but it is up to you to make the change within yourself. You CAN DO THIS. There is always a way to get better and help out there for everyone.