Beyond the Classroom: How School Resources Became Mental Health Lifelines

In a heartfelt conversation, Heather and her daughter Gwyn share their experiences navigating mental health support for teenagers. Their story offers valuable insights for parents and teens facing similar challenges. Learn how school resources became a mental health lifeline for this family.

The Challenge of Finding Support

As Heather describes, seeking mental health support for Gwyn required significant time and effort. It involved “making a lot of phone calls, being available for meetings throughout the day, or just at the drop of a hat.” This highlights the crucial role parents and supporting adults play in advocating for their children, especially when they’re struggling.

Gwyn reached a point where she directly expressed her needs, “I need a therapist… I’m just not doing well mentally.” This moment of self-awareness prompted her mother to take action and find appropriate help.

School Resources

Gwyn attended both public and private schools, each offering different types of support:

• Public School Support: Included guidance counselors, school psychologists, and various placement options based on student needs. Some resources included specialized classes or even separate schools for students requiring more intensive support.
• Private School Environment: While Gwyn’s private school was smaller (only 30 students in her class compared to 1,400 at her public school), it offered a more nurturing atmosphere. Though it lacked formal mental health supports, its mentorship programs and attentive teachers provided valuable emotional support.

The Power of Advocacy in Accessing School Resources

One of the most important lessons from Heather and Gwyn’s experience is the value of self-advocacy. As Gwyn explains, “Without the support of my parents telling me that I need to put myself first and put my well-being first… I wouldn’t be as suited as I am today.”

For teens experiencing immediate distress like panic attacks or depression, the ability to speak up and ask for help is crucial. Heather encouraged Gwyn to advocate for herself from a young age, which proved invaluable during difficult moments.

Advice for Parents and Teens

Heather and Gwyn offer several key pieces of advice:

• Don’t wait to seek help: “Seek out help first, just when you… [realize] you’re struggling, don’t wait,” Heather advises.
• Advocate consistently: “Advocating for yourself as a teen, but also as a parent, advocating for your kid is essential,” says Gwyn.
• Don’t struggle alone: Gwyn emphasizes, “Don’t allow yourself to struggle alone. Tell someone, tell a teacher… just make sure that someone knows.”
• Build relationships with school staff: Heather found that “keeping open relationships with Gwyn’s teachers and even the school principal and her mentor guidance counselor” created a support network that helped during difficult moments.

A Collaborative Journey

As Gwyn powerfully states, “It really takes both parties to help someone get better and help someone heal. You can’t do it alone.” This highlights the importance of collaboration between parents, teens, educators, and mental health professionals.

By sharing their story, Heather and Gwyn provide hope and practical guidance for families navigating similar challenges. Their experience shows that with proper support, understanding, and advocacy, teens can find the help they need to thrive.

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For more resources on supporting your child’s mental health, visit https://www.shinelightondepression.org/