The month of September is National Suicide Prevention month, and throughout the country, mental health advocates, survivors, and victims promote awareness all month long. Within the walls of Flint Hill, the mental health maintenance of us huskies is equally observed. Prior to this year, Flint Hill implemented the health track which was an anonymous tip line for students and faculty to report instances that potentially cause emotional and physical harm to students. In addition, students have the opportunity to refer to the several counselors in the building if ever in a time of need. If students are not as willing to voice their feelings with counselors, each semester students are permitted to take a mental health day just to take a moment to reflect and alleviate stress from their current lives. 

While National Suicide Prevention Month occurs, the college application process occurs simultaneously for Flint Hill seniors. The process is notably grueling and can inevitably lead to mounds of stress. With the Flint Hill community so concerned with the well-being of its students’ mental health, the college counseling team acknowledged the potential stress of the seniors in a workshop. In small groups throughout the week, seniors met with their counselors who awaited several tips and suggestions on how to manage applications and stress. In the slideshow presented during the workshop, students watched videos regarding how to cope with stressors alongside a ten-minute meditation. 

In addition to the college counseling offices’ efforts to offer advice regarding mental health, the Mental Health Alliance hung posters around the school containing information regarding ways to reach out to hotlines via phone calls and texts. When interviewing Mental Health Alliance co-president and Flint Hill senior, Leyla Ustun, she mentioned the importance of knowledge of supportive outlets. She mentions “access to hotlines ensures students know who and how to obtain support.” In addition, removing ignorance concerning mental health hotlines ultimately benefits students in the end. 

Fortunately for students, Flint Hill is very hands-on with sustaining of students’ mental health. If you or someone you know within the Flint Hill community is struggling with their mental health, there are several avenues available. The health track is an anonymous assistive program that gives students the appropriate care and aid in dealing with mental health crises and substance abuse. In addition, Flint Hill has four counselors who are equipped to provide emotional support for all students regardless of the situation.  

If you want to help advocate for those who struggle with mental health, you can join clubs like the Mental Health Alliance. They advocate for those who struggle with their mental health within the community as well as aid and advocate for those outside of the community.