High school is stressful enough as it is.

As young adults, teens juggle homework, sports, a job, home life, and other activities. The stress of all these activities can add on to anything internal students are dealing with. Teens wonder how they can manage all of this and still maintain good grades. They may think, ‘I can’t do it. It’s impossible” or “I’m not good enough.” Those thoughts create the demon of a mental illness.

Mental illness is something that affects a person’s mood, behavior, and thinking. A mental illness can occur through biological, psychological  or environmental affects to the human brain. As a young teen it is even harder to deal with these mental illnesses.

One in five teens suffer from a serious mental illness, according to Live Science.

It is important for teens everywhere to be aware of what a mental illness is. Not just teens but any person should be aware of these illnesses and the affects it can have on someone and their daily life.

 “The biggest thing is reaching out,” said Counselor Sherri O’Lonergan. 

Mental illness is mysterious and it can be difficult to pin-point its source. However, seeking help and isolating the contributing factors are essential to effective treatment.

“My ADD really affected my mental health,”  said an anonymous junior, who didn’t want her name used. This student started taking medication to help and she said it made a big difference. She was able find time for her schoolwork and other activities.

There are many other ways to approach a mental illness. The best way is to find something that fits the mental illness or the perso

 “I think it is all about balance,” said O’Lonergan.

Finding the balance will help teens be able to achieve more and grab a hold on their mental health instead of their mental illness grabbing a hold of them. Making a to do list and putting what is most important to least important. Teens should also make time to relax and focus on  something they enjoy doing. 

The Wellness Center at Air Academy High School (in A building) does partake in helping those who experience a mental health issue. This is a safe place when a student at AAHS feels they need to take a step back and find their focus. A place where they can start to find balance.