High school is widely regarded as a stressful time in one’s life. Ask any adult, and they’ll tell you, “Just wait for college. It gets better.”
While this is true, the stress never goes away. College is just another level of stress. Yes, stress is only part of the incredibly gratifying college experience, but it’s there nonetheless. Therefore, I believe Haverford has created an environment that tests each student’s stress management in preparation for college, work, and life in general. I mean, our motto is “Preparing Boys for Life.”
That being said, is it too much?
We recently had Lane Johnson as a guest speaker, and between rumbles of the rare earthquake that hit us, he talked about his struggle with his mental health. Describing the anxiety he felt going on to the field for every game, I couldn’t help but wonder how the Haverford community handles their mental health.
The reflections of Sixth Formers Henry Newhall and Casey Williams show that there is clearly work to be done regarding mental health awareness at Haverford. However, it’s sort of an impossible issue. While some people may realize they’re struggling with their mental health, few are willing to admit that they’re depressed or in a state of constant anxiety. This effect is amplified even more, considering Haverford is an all-boys school. Men are much more likely to hide their emotions than women are. This hiding leads to an intensification of the struggles men go through.
Biology* teacher Ms. Tashia Lewis said, “I think it goes back to the stigma, and everyone wants to say, ‘Well, I can handle it myself, and I can do [it].’”
Ms. Lewis thinks that mental health is something we’ve been programmed to hide, even in everyday conversations.
“I was having a conversation with a kid [who] came in here,” Ms Lewis said, “and I was like, ‘How are you doing?’ knowing full well that he isn’t doing well because I know some backstory. And he says, ‘Good.’ So I ask, ‘Are you just telling me that because that’s what you’re supposed to say? Are you actually good?’ He’s like, ‘Just giving you the answer that I’m [supposed to give].’”
Ms. Lewis did recognize that although she has seen many students struggling with mental health, she also teaches a Fifth Form class, and Fifth Form is regarded as the most difficult and stress-inducing in all four years of high school. That being said, this is still a big issue not just in the upper school community but everywhere. It’s so big it seems impossible for us to make a difference. However, there are ways for us to make change in our community and beyond.
One way to spread awareness of the fact that mental health struggles are so prevalent in our community is by breaking down the barriers that have been built up over the years and speaking about them openly. Williams and Newhall were instrumental in beginning this process, but it’s the rising Sixth Form and current underclassmen who need to continue to communicate their mental health issues.
Finally, Peer Counseling is a great way to speak to your peers about any struggles you may have. Sixth Former Daniel Kaiser thinks the program is beneficial for students.
“I know I do,” Kaiser said. “I know that all the people who are leaders do, and I think a lot of people in your grade are starting to.”
Of course, Upper School Counselor Ms. Janet Heed is always there if you need to talk about anything, mental health-related or otherwise.
