Prioritizing Teenage Mental Health.

When I was a child, my mom and I struck a deal to allow me three mental health rest days per semester, as long as I maintained good academic performance. This arrangement stemmed from my early experiences with trauma-induced anxiety and clinical depression, which made growing up challenging. While mental health wasn't widely discussed during my childhood, I recognized its significance and how it affected my ability to cope with daily life. Now, as an advocate for teenage mental health, I want to shed light on the issues we face, how we arrived here, and the steps we can take to make a difference.

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that every individual, regardless of a diagnosed mental illness, possesses mental health. We all have a brain that requires care, similar to how we tend to our physical well-being. Mental health affects us all, and it's essential to devise inclusive solutions. Even physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath can be manifestations of mental illness. So, shouldn't our focus be on creating accessible solutions that benefit everyone?

During my high school years, I became proficient in managing my own mental health. As the president of the Oregon Association of Student Councils, I started to realize that mental health was a more significant issue than just my personal struggle. Unfortunately, my community experienced multiple suicides during my first year of high school. Witnessing these tragedies profoundly impact our town, I discovered that similar incidents were happening elsewhere when students shared their stories at a summer camp forum in 2018. Regardless of their location, these crises were affecting students across the state. Alarmed by our findings, we formed Students for a Healthy Oregon, a committee dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and prioritizing it within schools.

Through collaboration with lobbyists and mental health professionals, we drafted House Bill 2191, which aimed to grant students the ability to take mental health days off from school, paralleling physical health days. We believed that a day off could often make the difference between feeling better or worse. After months of lobbying, researching, and campaigning, our bill was signed into law in June 2019—a groundbreaking moment for Oregon students.

Here's an example of how the law plays out today: Suppose a student finds themselves overwhelmed, falling behind, and in need of help. Thanks to this law, they can initiate a conversation about mental health with their parents, leading to greater support. While the parent still needs to excuse the absence, the school records it as a mental health day, allowing them to monitor the number of students taking such days. If a student takes excessive mental health days, they are referred to the school counselor for a check-in, ensuring early intervention for those struggling. The law not only teaches students self-care and stress management but also has the potential to save lives. Consequently, students in other states are now striving to pass similar legislation, and I am currently collaborating with students in California and Colorado to make this a reality nationwide.

Beyond the practical aspects, House Bill 2191 holds immense significance because it emphasizes the equality of physical and mental health. These two aspects of our well-being are intertwined. For instance, consider CPR training—most individuals have some knowledge of it, as it is widely taught in schools, workplaces, and even online. But what about mental health care? Imagine if we received training on managing our mental health or responding to mental health crises in our youth. In an ideal world, each of us would possess a toolkit of skills to aid friends, colleagues, family members, or even strangers experiencing mental health challenges. Schools, where students often struggle the most, should be at the forefront of providing these resources.

Furthermore, I want to emphasize that it's always acceptable to not be okay and to take breaks when needed. It doesn't have to be an entire day; even a few moments of self-reflection can make a difference. Life can be likened to a long-distance race. If we sprint right from the start, we risk burning out and hurting ourselves. However, if we pace ourselves, alternating between intentional rest and focused effort, we are more likely to achieve success.

Let's prioritize taking care of one another, especially the young individuals who may appear to have it all together. Mental health challenges persist, but as a society, we can learn how to manage them by fostering a culture of support. Remember to look after yourself too and occasionally take a break. As my mom used to say, "Once in a while, take a break." .Thank you.