With the struggles of mental health and stress, we can come to a place where we feel extremely isolated. We may lose our sense of connection with those we love and thus fall deeper into a hole.
Isolation and loneliness are not easy to deal with in an academic setting or working environment. We will have difficulty completing tasks, staying focused and soon fall behind.
Communication, of course, can play a crucial role in helping fight these obstacles and break these so-called shackles.
We are not as alone as it may seem. Adults and our peers can relate to our inner conflicts and perhaps offer some much-needed advice or understanding.
Teachers, for instance, are there to encourage and guide us through education. They want us to succeed and move forward. If we are having trouble regarding stresses or our own personal limits, they are there to go over possible changes and adjustments to make us feel more comfortable. Teachers can offer help and support, whether it be for mental health, bullying or other issues.
We may also turn to friends and peers as one of our biggest support systems. They are our age and at our level, and can relate to our struggles. They are people we can turn to and find, for the most part, an understanding.
Getting second opinions outside of our own heads can bring things to a more logical point of view and even provide us with solutions to our problems. Friends want to be there for us and see us be happy.
Finally, we have our parents; they are the people who care for us deeply and, once again, want to see us succeed in life. With wisdom, they can give us advice or insight on our problems. Not only that, they can sometimes help us move forward and find professional help if needed.
Although it must be mentioned that, unfortunately, not everyone has these support systems, that does not mean they cannot get help. There are places to go outside of school and family who will surely help ease the stress and quiet our minds. There are places where we do not always need our parents where we can be taught the proper techniques to cope with mental health and negative stressors.
We are never alone and all people deserve to be heard. Taking the time to listen to others and respect their issues can benefit everyone by strengthening relationships as well as emotions.
It is better to voice our feelings and be heard rather than suffer in silence.
Macy How is a grade 10 student at Brooks Secondary School.
