Mental illness has been an issue that’s plagued many people for decades, and has gone  unaddressed for many years. Now in the 20th century we have the technology and expertise to  help mitigate it. But many people don’t know where to go. 

Mental illness, a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, and/or behavior. There  are many ways to cope in these situations, such as talking to friends and family, finding a  solution to an issue, or even exercising. Sometimes you have to step away and take a break,  this will allow you to clear your mind. Coping is just a way to adjust or tolerate negative events  or reality. 

Renton High School has many programs for physical and mental health. There are clubs that address issues within the community or help stay physically active, healthpoint for health needs/concerns. There are counselors that you can talk to, or you can talk virtually to someone with talk space, and there’s homework help to reduce stress from schoolwork. If you want to use these resources make sure to schedule an appointment through your counselor or the RHS website. 

You can get help outside of school, this website provides links and numbers to call for different needs: https://mhanational.org/im-looking-mental-health-help-myself. These links will allow  you to get help, talk to someone, teach you how to keep good mental health, and more. This  website will also help test your mental health with simple multiple choice questions. “Take care of your mind, your body will thank you. take care of your body, your mind will thank  you.” – Debbie Hampton. Debbie Hampton struggled with depression for decades, when she finally made an attempt at her life. Luckily someone found her, while in the hospital she decided  to change her life. She worked hard at gaining her mobility, she did therapy and recovered.  Afterwards she created a website to help others struggling with mental health. Know that you aren’t alone and that you have many resources available. Mental health is a  serious matter that can’t be ignored because it bleeds into all aspects of our life.

Sources: 

• https://www.cumberlandheights.org/blogs/what-you-didnt-know-how-unhealthy coping-mechanisms-develop
• https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions
• https://therestartprogram.com/self-care-for-your-body-and-mind-three-great-ways-to take-care-of-yourself-everyday/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6392-stress-coping-with-lifes stressors#:~:text=Coping%20usually%20involves%20adjusting%20to,are%20perceived %20to%20be%20stressful. 
• https://thebestbrainpossible.com/about/