Mental health issues amongst students across the world are very common, and Carbondale Community Highschool (CCHS) is no stranger to this. Some CCHS faculty and a student believe that anxiety and depression are prevalent issues on campus.

Amy Prudencio, a social worker at CCHS, has first hand experience with helping students with their mental health.

“In adolescent years, trying to figure out who we are, how we relate to others… can create a lot of challenges,” said Prudencio. Identity issues are, indeed, very common.

Identity issues can include self-image. Ruth Paulsen is a Senior at CCHS, and has some struggles much like other students on campus. Being misunderstood a lot, often asking questions with answers that are obvious to others yet the answers aren’t so clear to them, Paulsen has a lot to say yet is perceived as quiet.

What can we do? There’s a decent amount of choices, but the consensus is to focus on your needs. 

Brenda Krutsinger, class of 2026 class counselor, is a resource for students to utilize when dealing with mental health.

“…Find things that you enjoy, and focus on those things, Also be kind to yourself,” said Krutsinger. 

English/Fine Arts teacher Erik Berrey has been teaching speech classes for a long time now. Berrey has seen a lot of students struggle in different ways, but mainly anxiety around presenting speeches.

“Seek support from others but don’t seek a solution,” said Berrey.

 Give yourself grace, perfection is a lie we tell ourselves that tear us apart.