Mental health in adolescents and the American education system are interconnected. Schools play a big role in shaping teens’ mental well-being because they typically spend more time at school than at home. The concept of school affecting mental health is linked in many ways, one being through stress and pressure. Many students feel academic pressure which can lead to high anxiety. Additionally, expectations from teachers and parents can contribute to their stress.
The social environment and culture in schools have a huge impact on one’s mental health. Positive relationships with peers have the ability to create a sense of belonging, while bullying or social isolation negatively affects a student’s ability to concentrate or learn. Many teachers and parents want students to be aware of their mental health. It’s important to learn about threats to mental health and reduce the stigma that many people associate with mental illness. The education system needs to prioritize mental health to create an environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally.
From interviews with staff and fellow students, I have learned that Central Catholic creates a supportive environment where students feel safe and are able to focus on their studies. CCHS encourages students to seek out help and utilize resources available here at school. Lastly, we have incorporated mental health into education for (mainly) freshmen when they take health classes. This also encourages students to seek help when needed and helps others to understand and have empathy.
Considering what most teens may face, it is important for schools to create a supportive environment and offer mental health resources. Many schools across the U.S. are expanding their mental health resources for students, such as offering counseling, programs, and clubs. These programs are put into place to help students cope with stress, anxiety, and other issues they face.
At Central, we have an amazing counseling team that is comprised of school and college counselors as well as Mrs. Costello and Ms. Kempinski who are adjustment counselors. This team provides support for all students throughout their four years. We have six guidance counselors to help students focus on academic and career guidance. Additionally, we have two licensed social workers (adjustment counselors) to help with emotional and social challenges. They are trained professionals who help manage stress and anxiety and offer extra support. Furthermore, we have other advisers on the team including a learning specialist, an administrative assistant, and a director to prepare for college.
Central offers easy access to these resources to make a huge difference in students’ lives. On our counseling website, it states that “Central Catholic High School is committed to the emotional health and well-being of our students and families.” Our counselors have different focuses. A school counselor focuses on the academic, career, and social-emotional needs of a student while the adjustment counselors specialize in supporting students with mental health, behavioral, and other issues that often require more personal conversations.
We interviewed one of the adjustment counselors here, Mrs. Costello, who had very vigorous training and is one of the many resources students can utilize at Central. This interview may provide more information to any students looking to reach out for support.
What kind of training did you have to become a licensed social worker?
“I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology which took 4 years to get, I have a Masters degree in Counseling and I have a Master’s in Social Work. You also have to pass a licensing exam as well as have at least 3,500 hours of clinical experience and then take another major exam”
What work did you do before Central?
“A lot of crisis work for an agency for 20 years. I was the director of emergency services. I also did outpatient therapy, I ran partial hospitalization groups, worked with elementary, middle school, and adults but my favorite has been high school.”
What was that work like?
“It was interesting you know I never knew what was going to happen and never knew who I was going to see. I had a couple of experiences that were intense.”
How did you come to CCHS?
“I have always liked this age group I wanted to give kids an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of young people because once you finish high school and go to college so many changes happen and a lot of kids aren’t prepared so I wanted to make an impact for later adolescents and have a chance to make an impact.”
What made you want to work in this field?
“I get it, I didn’t have the easiest time in high school. I never wanted kids to feel alone”
With keeping confidentiality and without giving details, could you give a general idea of the types of mental health issues you most frequently help students with?
“I’ve mainly helped kids struggling with depression and anxiety, but can also offer help to students who just need extra support.”
If students are ever struggling or having a hard time and need extra support you can reach out to your guidance counselor. They will then send out a referral about you to either Mrs. Costello or Mrs. Kempinski. They will then contact the student via email.
Schools like Central recognize the role they have in fostering students’ emotional well-being. Central prioritizes mental health through resources like adjustment counselors, education, and specialized programs that they can recommend. As Mrs. Costello’s insights reveal here, we have professionals who bring experience through training to address challenges students face. Overall Central’s mental health resources, including adjustment counselors like Mrs. Costello, contribute to a healthy and successful educational journey.
