Currently at Blaine High School, or BHS, there is help available for students who struggle with any medical condition like Depression or GAD. Mary Boren, a counselor who has worked at BHS for nearly ten years, has lots to say on the topic. “I feel like teachers are pretty aware of general stresses.” Mrs. Boren meets with students almost every day about depression or anxiety. She can provide a safe place to get away from stress for anyone. Depending on the source of a student’s stress, Mrs. Boren can give advice or certain strategies to calm down. The main thing, Mrs. Boren says, is that kids let teachers and counselors know what they are going through.

There are also many opportunities for students who want to learn more about Depression or Anxiety. There are several classes open for students where these conditions are discussed. “We do cover a lot [depression, anxiety, etc.] when kids go through health, psychology, and family consumer sciences.” states Mrs. Boren. BHS also has many posters hanging on the walls around campus and inside a few classes. These posters provide information and phone numbers of several organizations to help students who are in crisis. One of these posters, that was found on a bulletin board outside of the counseling office, is pictured below.

Ranad, a freshman at BHS, believes that the school could do more to help students who may have depression or suicidal thoughts. She thinks that more help should be available for every student, whether they have depression or not. “Even though they are depressed, we may not know,” says Ranad, “They may not commit suicide her at school, but Blaine High School has affected them.” She thinks that BHS needs to create a better learning environment on campus. “Honestly, they need to create a cheerier environment, more color. They need to have activities that the majority of students enjoy rather than making them study. They need to help kids with depression, even though they might not know it for sure.” According to Ranad, providing help for the entire student body is better than not providing help to struggling students who won’t ask for help. Sometimes asking for help is hard, and kids want to solve things on their own.

Too many high school students are being diagnosed with depression or other stress related illnesses. High schools all around the country are helping these teens, but some of them could do more. BHS does a really great job providing information and lending a helping hand. There is no such thing as too much help for those in need.