By: Gabriella Bell

In the past, and across our education systems, resources and strategies surrounding mental health weren’t as recognized. Not only were they uncommon, but there were also several different conflicting stigmas surrounding even the general discussion of mental health. While it’s not as taboo of a topic as previous years, these negative connotations are still prevalent today and can ultimately disregard the importance of the subject. Due to these connotations, many people were, and still are, unable to receive the proper support surrounding their struggle(s) regarding their mental health. This could exist in the form of a diverse range of mood disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, as well as anxiety disorders, or eating disorders, along with many other examples of mental illnesses. Not only do hundreds of thousands of people live with these kinds of mental illnesses each day, but it also affects a drastic number of our youth.

The beginning of adolescence can be one of the most conflicting periods across an entire lifespan. There may be internal conflicts experienced within one’s school life, which can often come alongside major relationship dynamic adjustments and bodily changes. These can appear to be recognized as physical, emotional and mental changes. These alterations throughout young adulthood can dramatically impact the emotional and mental health of the youth, which is why it’s so incredibly essential that there is more awareness and resources openly provided and available to all young people in the school systems.

Overall, mental health should also be a more public and honest conversation topic, especially due to the various negative opinions and inaccurate information surrounding the general knowledge of mental health as an entirety. Not only should it be shamelessly discussed, but there should also be more taught regarding mental illnesses, so as to make the subject more of a normalcy in our society rather than a taboo conversational topic. It is also important to note, that people of all ages, racial identities, gender identities and social class can, and are, affected by mental illnesses all across the world, and regardless of who they are should have the ability to receive the necessary support.