With winter approaching, many students begin to feel the effects of seasonal changes on their mental well-being. Coupled with the pressures of school, this time of year can feel overwhelming for many students. It’s essential that students are aware of the mental health resources available to them, both during school hours and beyond, and understand how to access these resources.

What Resources Are Available?

Students at Northside have access to a range of mental health resources, thanks to the efforts of the school’s counseling and social work departments. Students are encouraged to reach out for help, even if they feel hesitant. 

Northside offers several mental health resources through its counseling and social work departments:

• School Counselors: Four counselors, including Ms. Mathews, are available to assist with academics, social-emotional issues, and postsecondary planning.

• Social Workers: Two social workers primarily help students with IEPs and 504 plans, but they’re also open to meeting with any student in need.

• In-School Therapist: Jordan Johnson provides traditional therapy sessions, offering a solution for students who find it difficult to schedule therapy outside of school.

Ms. Mathews highlighted that “All practitioners are trained in multicultural competency to better understand and support students from diverse backgrounds.” If there are other concerns, counselors can refer students to services outside of school allowing a student to find what works best for them.

For students who need support beyond school hours, National helplines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) or Crisis Text Line (text “HELLO” to 741741) are available 24/7 for anyone in need. In addition, The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ support 1-866-488-7386) and the National Youth Crisis Hotline(1-800-488-3000) are also available.

What barriers could I face?

There are many barriers that may impact people seeking mental health help. Long wait times are among one of the most prevalent, as well as the costs that come with seeking support. There is also a shortage of psychiatrists who work with adolescents making it even harder to find someone that is capable of supporting you. However, she encourages students to persist and use the resources available at school as a first step.

How can I reach out?

For students looking to set up an appointment, reaching out is simple. The counseling department welcomes students to drop by the office or schedule a meeting via email.

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and Northside’s counseling team is here to help every step of the way. By promoting mental health awareness and access to resources, the school hopes to foster a community where every student feels empowered to take care of their mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that support is available, and you are not alone.