High school can be a stressful time for anyone, and learning how to manage your stress and access mental health resources will be invaluable while attending Lexington High School. The purpose of this article isn’t to scare you, however, many students — both in LHS and in general — struggle with their mental health.
You might be inclined to skip this article or read this and think that none of this will ever apply to you. Maybe you’re right. However, there’s a good chance that someone around you will struggle with their mental health. Continue reading to find some resources you or your friends can access in high school if you’re upset, stressed, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to!
Your easiest (and probably most familiar) option is to talk to an LHS counselor or social worker. Counselors at LHS are much more involved in your high school experience than they are in middle school. Your counselor’s last name is available on the schedule you receive in Aspen. You can learn more about them, including their contact information, on the LHS Counseling Department Website (you can also access it through the QR code in this article!). You’ll meet your counselor during your annual Counselor Seminar, which begins in the next few months.
There are a couple of things to note when discussing serious mental health struggles with school officials. First of all, they are legally required to tell your guardians if they believe you are a danger to yourself or others. This can deter people from asking for help. In my experience, it’s better to speak to school staff than suffer in silence, but if getting parents involved is truly an issue, check out the list of mental health text and call helplines on the LHS Counseling Department Website. You can also go to free, confidential drop-in counseling at the Youth Counseling Connection on Wednesdays after school. Their office is located on the bottom floor of the First Parish Church in Lexington Center, just across the battle green from Cary Memorial Library.
There’s a big myth about going to school counselors: if you tell your counselor that you struggle with your mental health, it will affect the college recommendation letter they write for you. But again, this is a myth. It’s actually illegal for counselors to disclose your personal health information without your permission under your student rights. Furthermore, your counselor will give you a chance to tell them what to include before they write your college recommendation letter. So, forming a strong relationship with your counselor, and being open about your struggles, may actually help you get a recommendation letter that showcases your character and resilience. But that’s far in the future, so don’t worry about it!
Anyway, if you’ve read this far, I hope you remember to take care of yourself throughout your high school journey. It’s okay not to be okay. Trust me, you’re going to be fine and do great things. But, no pressure.
