Can anyone at school help me?
A lot of us are in school all day. If you are experiencing any issues with your mental health, your school may be a good place to start looking for help. Try talking to a counselor or a trusted teacher.
Sometimes you may not find the support you need at school, but don’t lose hope. School is just one of many places that you can look for help, but in some cases it may not offer the help you need. However, school is a great jumping point if you are looking for some place to start and do not know how.
“The school helped me so much by getting me in contact with all sorts of people.”
School Social Worker or Psychologist
A good person to talk to is your school’s social worker or psychologist. Most high schools and colleges have at least one that is available all the time or at least some of the time. You can usually see them a few times before being referred to an outside professional, and they are also a good place to find resources that may help you. Best of all, it’s free!
You should be aware though, that if you report to the school that you are suicidal or self harming, most schools are legally obligated to contact your parents or report it to someone who can get you help.
“I would talk to the school psychologist first, and say “this is how I’m feeling,” because they’ll always listen.”
Guidance Counselors & Academic Advisors
Guidance counselors are NOT specifically there for your mental health—they’re more like academic advisers. They can help you with school—changing your schedule, starting a club, or making plans for your life after graduation.
However, they should still be able to tell you who to talk to if you need help and do not know where to go.
The same is true for a teacher- they are not there for your mental health. They should, however, be able to direct you to the help you need.
School Health Center
Some middle and high schools have a School-Based Health Center, and colleges usually have a student health center where you can ask for some mental health counseling.
Since school health centers offer both medical and mental health care, no one will know what you’re there for. They’re free and confidential.
The only thing is, if you are under 18 you have to have parental consent to use the school-based health center—unless it’s an emergency, like if you’re thinking of hurting yourself.