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By Alaris Wozniarski
“I’m so sad”, “I’m going to cry”, “I’m so depressed” have become such common sayings
among teenagers lately. These words can be thrown around with as little as a thought in mind,
but when these words are all someone can think of, is it really taken seriously or are they seen
as attention seekers?
Through social media and the quarantine which we all know of, mental struggles and
issues have been very normalized, both positively and negatively. TikTok, Instagram and
Snapchat are all platforms which allow people to speak about anything and see anything they
want. The ability to have the choice to post whatever users want can be the start to a great way
to connect and spread positivity. Many individuals through social media have opened up about
their struggles with their mental health which has made many, like myself, feel included and
safe to speak about our own problems. However, there are many who take this power to their
advantage and bring people down, romanticize and aestheticize disorders such as depression
and anxiety, and also make many jokes about problems which are faced by adolescents.
These two conflicting sides have caused much confusion of whether it is okay to speak about
your mental health and if you would be “accepted” or not.
It is not just expected to talk about your mental health to a therapist or professional.
Speaking with friends and family is always a great way to have a serious issue of yours taken into
consideration. You can even open up anonymously and receive advice from licensed
professionals such as the Kids Help Phone- https://kidshelpphone.ca/ You should never feel as
though your feelings could be overshadowed, or not as important as others. Everyone goes
through their own issues in life which shouldn’t be fought alone.
Overall, mental health struggles shouldn’t be associated with teenagers as much as
peanut butter is associated with jam. Everyone deserves to have their emotions and struggles
heard and made to feel valid rather than being sabotaged by others’ actions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out to a trusted
adult, teacher, guidance counsellor, or any of the following contacts:
● Ms. Dreena Caffrey . RP.,BA.,CYW.,CYC (cert) - Child and Youth Care Practitioner at
St. Joseph : (905 ) 812-1376 ext.74187 or email- dreena.caffrey@dpcdsb.org
● Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text "CONNECT" to 686868
● Black Youth Helpline: 1-833-294-8650
● Every Mind crisis response in Peel Region: 416-410-8615 (0-18 years of age)
● 24.7 Crisis Support Peel Dufferin: 905-278-9036 (16 years of age or older)
● 911 or go to your local emergency room
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