Mental health is crucial. How should Scioto students take care of theirs?

By Natalia Allensworth
October 25, 2023

“It’s okay not to be okay.” Often, mental health is overlooked or difficult to tackle. It is well known that students should embrace their feelings and be kind to themselves – but how? Recently, Scioto students have responded to the Google form for “Irish Insight” and have many mental health-related questions. To get the best answers to these questions, one of Dublin Scioto’s school psychologists, Mr. Warburton, was interviewed.

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Q: How should students cope with depression during school? - Sincerely, Friendly CEO

A: The first step is to recognize if it is depression or just feeling down. Mr. Warburton says, “We should think about the difference between true depression versus being sad or down. There is a difference. When we talk about depression, that is more of having clinical significance.”

Either way, Mr. Warburton recommends creating coping strategies in advance.

“It’s hard to come up with coping plans when you are already feeling sad and down, so a good strategy is that when you’re having a good day, and you feel good about yourself, you’re in a good spot. Start thinking about things that are important to you and what helps relieve some of those symptoms.”

“Some people do things like imagery—imagining yourself in a spot where you feel your best— something that makes you feel good.”

Another strategy Mr. Warburton suggested for students is to question their inner thoughts. “Our minds play tricks on us all of the time, and they trick us into thinking different things. So sometimes it is important to question our thoughts because sometimes what we are thinking isn’t really the reality that we are in right now. Is what I’m thinking true? Is there truth to it?”

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Q: For students who are struggling with mental health, is there a way someone can help them? And how exactly will they be helped? - Sincerely, Seeking Someone

A: If you know you are struggling with mental health issues, it is crucial to reach out to others. Mr. Warburton stated, “We are really lucky because our school district has a ton of resources, so if you are having instances when you’re feeling sad, down, or depressed, those are feelings that we don’t want to just keep to ourselves.”

There are many people that students can reach out to for help. It is never wrong to ask for help. 

“When we are feeling like that, seek help because there is nothing wrong with asking for help. There are going to be times in your life when you are always going to need to ask somebody for help.”

Similarly, he states that self-advocating is necessary. “If you need something, you gotta let it be known … You are the only person who knows what you need.”

Mr. Warburton recommends making appointments with their school counselor if students need more support. “They are a great first-stop resource to connect. Either they might start meeting with a student regularly, or they might link them with someone else.”

There are plenty of people who can help. Students don’t have to struggle on their own. It is okay to ask for assistance.

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Other questions for Mr. Warburton:

Q: “How do you recommend upkeep that plan and happiness as often as you can and the housekeeping to make sure that you don’t fall? Do you think it is just sticking to that plan, or are there other daily things people should do?”

A: Mr. Warburton stated, “You’re never in a position where you can maintain a certain level of happiness … No matter what, every day you [should] take time to do something specifically for you.”

It is good to have a plan in place, but it is also important to remember that it is not possible to be happy all the time. Instead, give yourself the time to feel better and understand that happiness comes and goes. What’s important is taking care of yourself no matter how you feel.

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Q: What should a person be aware of to be mentally healthy?

A: Having a strong support system, a good sense of self, and asking for help are three of the main components Mr. Warburton addressed.

“Sometimes we can feel defeated if we have this false sense of self and we are trying to reach this thing, trying to become something that maybe other people want us to be, but at the same time, it’s not something that we are really invested in ourselves. I think having a good sense of self is huge.”

Overall, he stated, “Looking at your support system, having a good sense of self and what you are, and being comfortable with who you are. I also think that acknowledging that what you are and who you are is enough.”

Mr. Warburton’s overall advice is that it is okay to ask for help and to value yourself. “To whatever capacity that is, that might be different for other people, but knowing what you are doing and who you are – that is plenty, and that is enough for you; that’s enough for other people.”

Do you have any questions that you want featured in “Irish Insight”?

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The Irish Insight advice column is the best place for you to honestly share your opinion and get honest, helpful feedback! Check back into the “Irish Insight” advice column for the answer to your question.