According to school-based mental health therapist, Autumn Schrage, LISW, depression and anxiety are the two most commonly diagnosed mental health issues for adolescents and teens today. With the compounding effect of social media and the COVID-19 pandemic, she says the trend of comparison culture without the participation of in-person interaction has given rise to the increase of mental health issues across the country.
“Comparison culture is where people are comparing themselves to other people their age,” said Schrage. “Often making them feel less than or that they are not living up to the same standards as other people their age.” Overall, she cites this as a key factor to the unrealistic expectations students often begin to hold for themselves, leading to significant distress and potential feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, poor sleep habits, and nervousness.
While the effects of mental health issues can be trying to work through alone, there are support resources for both individuals and caregivers through school and community programs. Schrage’s first recommendation for a student who is experiencing mental health issues is to encourage them to share that information with a parent or caregiver. “If they would prefer to talk with a school staff member, I would recommend that they reach out to their guidance counselor or administrator,” said Schrage. “They can get them connected to a variety of different mental health services and resources.” Mental health therapy sessions are available to all Waterloo K-12 Schools students.
For individuals who are in an active crisis, Schrage recommends using the newly established 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This is a 24/7, free, and confidential service available to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, concerns with substance abuse, thoughts of suicide, or any other kind of emotional distress. Services can be accessed by calling or texting 9-8-8 or through live chat at www.988lifeline.org/chat. Either way, the person will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who will listen, assess their needs and concerns, provide support, and get them connected to appropriate resources in their area. It is important to note that the calling option is available in 250 languages whereas the texting and chatting options are only available in English. All of these options are available to those who are experiencing a mental health crisis or someone who is concerned for another.
For parents who want to discuss mental health with their children, Schrage says it’s important to listen. “It is important to remain calm and listen non judgmentally. It is better to ask and be wrong than to not ask at all.”
While many discussions can lead to an open dialogue about ongoing mental health, if a child or teen reports having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, assess whether they are in immediate danger, and if so, seek emergency services right away. If there is not an immediate risk, encourage them to speak with a professional.
Within the schools are Resource Navigators and other professional staff that can also assess students’ needs and provide them direction to the proper resources. “To receive mental health therapy services, a parent or guardian will need to provide consent for the child,” said Schrage. “If a student is 18 or older, they can consent to therapy services without a guardian’s permission.”
Schrage notes that the pandemic has created immediate and lasting effects on the mental health of people of all ages. “Many young people and their families have been significantly impacted by the pandemic due to job loss, isolation, death of loved ones, loss of relationships, and health concerns.” She says that all of these factors can lead individuals to feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, grief, increased sadness, sleep disturbances, and/or increased anxiety. “Clinically, I have seen an increase in social anxiety with more students who are nervous about being in public places because they feel they do not have the social skills and friendship they once had.”
While mental health issues continue trending upwards, thankfully mental health awareness and understanding are trending upwards with it.
Autumn Schrage, LISW is a Lead School-Based Mental Health Therapist at Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health Center – Unity Point.
