Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental illnesses can occur during anytime in our lifetime but is more common in throughout teenage years due to changes in the body.

One way to think of emotional health is by looking at how effectively and successfully a person functions, such as not being capable and competent, not being able to handle normal level of stress, or not recovering from difficult situations are all signs of mental health.

Many young people are afraid to reach out for help when dealing with mental health problems, which is partly due to the way it is stereotyped. It is completely absurd the way mental health is misrepresented in the media.

For example, Not all mentally ill people are violent, but many violent people are mentally ill like Faith in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. The media does a huge disservice to the field of mental health by their misrepresentation and ignorance about mental illness.

Not reaching out for help can lead to further problems, so it is crucial for one to get the help they need. Even just by taking baby steps helps tremendously. Although, no one should ever be discouraged to seek professional help seeking help anonymously can be an easy start for those who like to keep their problems private. Resources such as calling hotlines, joining chat lines, or online communities are available for anybody.

Venice High School offers resources to students with emotional disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolarity by offering counseling with the school psychologist or outside help, which is very easy to get access to by speaking with a teacher or counselor.