As I’ve mentioned countless times before, mental health is important. It is definitely not something we can put to the side and save for another day. For teens especially, as hormones are raging and emotions are amplified, we cannot ignore the struggles brought on by mental illness.
School is an obvious stressor for a majority of students, but does it really have to be? Perhaps only in the ways that it counts. Yet, for those who struggle with anxiety, have crippling self-doubt, fear the moment the bell will ring and they will have to walk the crowded hallways, or cannot focus on their work because they’re in a classroom packed full of other students, you’re not alone.
Our struggles are validated; it is essential that we get the most from our learning environment, and when we’re left feeling panicked in classrooms or have breakdowns over the mere thought of going to school, learning becomes difficult.
In these situations, we cannot just stick it out or push through it; these issues need attention. Thankfully, there are options we may not all be aware of that may help students through the process of graduating and lift some of the anxiousness that goes along with it.
With the guidance of school counsellors and support from parents, steps can be taken to tailor a plan of action for your education. There are ways to branch out from the standard school program and find what fits you best.
Whether you’d like to start doing more courses online to get away from the hustle and bustle of the classroom, have more time to work at your own pace, or would like to organize your courses to take place at home and have an online teacher that you may email, all it takes is a meeting with the school counsellor.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to feel comfortable at school, because our future depends on it. There is no need to stress or feel anxious every day you cross the threshold of the building.
Macy How is a grade 11 student at Brooks Secondary School.
