Student Voices on Student Wellness
School Administrator, June 2021

School Administrator invited a pair of seniors from two high schools in the Northshore School District in Bothell, Wash., to share their perspectives on the role of schools in sup-porting students’ mental well-being. The two were suggested by their superintendent, Michelle Reid, recently named the 2021 National Superintendent of the Year.

Reid learned about both students’ work to normalize the discussion about mental health and to offer support to fellow students who were forced to learn remotely during COVID-19. The superintendent had invited Ella Weaver and Izzy Henry to be guests on Northshore Learns News, Reid’s weekly livestreamed program, to talk about their work and the mental health supports in the Northshore School District.

Communicating Good Advice About Well-Being
BY ELLA J. WEAVER

Mental health can be a scary and tricky thing to manage.

When the pandemic forced schools to close, Northshore School District in Bothell, Wash., launched an e-newsletter with advice about mental health. It allowed me and fellow students to become more educated on this growing problem in our schools and how to better handle it. All of us — teachers, administrators and students — have something to learn.

I experienced some mental health troubles of my own during the first couple years of high school, and I saw other students who were having an even more difficult time. It was my experience throughout those first two years of high school that gave me the desire to become active in assisting others. I had teachers who were really helpful, along with coaches and counselors whom I knew I could turn to as supportive resources. They made finding comfort in a school environment much easier.

Administrators should do whatever they can to better understand the students in their schools and to connect with them on a personal level. That really helped me.

Encouraging Messages

Once I realized I wanted to help others and bring about change, I joined the mental health committee at my high school. The committee has made a huge difference in part by putting out a monthly newsletter, Never Alone, which promotes resources that are available to students and offers encouraging words to motivate others.

Between newsletter issues, our student committee produces a “Tip of the Week” and “Mantra Monday” each week. Tip of the Week is featured in our weekly student bulletin, The Cougar Cast. We give students suggestions for improving their mental state or happiness. We have made suggestions that students reach out to someone they miss or someone who might need some encouragement, perform some kind of physical activity or find a new hobby or something enjoyable, such as a Pinterest project or cooking.

Mantra Monday is an Instagram post on our high school’s account where we highlight a quotation about mental health. We explain the meaning of the quote and how someone can apply the idea to himself or herself. Our student committee has been recognized for its work by administrators in our school district, and it’s been exciting to see how much of a difference we can make.

I love the things I’ve been able to do for my community and my school. It is such a blessing to be able to spread the word about something so important as the mental well-being of students. I would encourage other school districts to learn from our experience. I really think we are making headway, and I am so happy to be a part of it.

ELLA WEAVER will graduate in June from Bothell High School in Bothell, Wash.

Mental Health Lessons During My Depression
BY ISABEL P. HENRY

People know me as a happy, social girl, high on teenage life. As an extrovert who thrives on human connection with a “more the merrier” social philosophy, the pandemic-induced isolation has been excruciatingly painful for me.

In February 2020, I was looking forward to my senior year, but with the COVID-19 virus rampant, I fell into a deep depression. I could feel every day slipping away. I lay in my bed at home, dirty dishes scattered around me and clothes in mounting piles covering my floor. I remember the incessant buzzing notifications on my iPhone — “text from mom,” “new assignment in finance,” “appointment at 3 p.m.” — but those only prompted me to shut off my phone.

I lost my appetite and dropped 25 pounds. I could not get dressed or do my makeup, and my relationships were fading. All I wanted to do was cry.
As the pandemic continued, I was falling deeper and deeper into darkness and a lonely world that I did not want to be part of. It went well beyond a sad mood. I lacked motivation to do anything. How was I supposed to live up to all of these expectations of my senior year when I could not even take care of myself?

Honest Dialogue

My parents intervened and got me help. With the right resources, including medication, therapy and a strong support group, I was able to climb out of the hole, one step at a time. My mom reached out to my teachers first. She explained my situation and then I was able to follow up. Teachers and counselors reached out to check in.

Honest dialogue, realistic expectations and a lot of patience got me through my depression. Teachers needed to understand that I might not attend every Zoom class, but I was committed to getting the work done on my own time and terms. In that regard, all of my teachers were truly amazing, granting me extensions that were absolutely necessary as some days I just could not make it happen.

I was my most vulnerable self, and I needed my teachers to show empathy. I needed them to listen to my story, touch base regularly and give me the support I needed to be successful.

A Personal Rebound

I believe it is really important for teachers to check in on their students. Even if it means reaching out to just one student a day, it makes a difference. If students are not showing up on Zoom or are slacking on homework, educators would do well to touch base instead of jumping to conclusions. Whether adrift in the ocean or a pile of dirty clothes, students may be drowning and need support.

This is a challenge I have worked so hard to overcome. I have learned the true meaning of resilience. Rebounding from hitting rock bottom has given me personal strength I never thought I had. I have my family, friends, community and teachers to thank for helping me through my COVID struggles.

ISABEL “IZZY” HENRY will graduate from Woodinville High School in Woodinville, Wash., in June.