Mental illness is a more prominent issue than some may think. One in five Americans struggle with mental health issues and although some communities still treat mental illness as taboo, people talk more freely about it today than they could in the past, according to seechange.ie.

Some people feel they are discriminated against due to their mental health conditions. This stigma contributes to social relationships, social participation, self-esteem and health as a whole, according to seechange.ie.

“I think right now mental health is seen more than ever,” sophomore Layla Mabie said. “For so long, it was weak to admit you had a mental issue. Now, it’s seen as strong, and it is suggested to get help.”

While some have gotten the help they need, it can still be difficult for others to reach out. Society perpetuates the belief that people suffering from mental illnesses are extremely violent, not intelligent or incapable of making decisions that profoundly impact their lives, all according to psychologytoday.com.

“I feel like our students need to understand when [school] is too much for us to handle,” junior Hadeel Naser said. “We always need to understand that it’s okay to take a break and understand that we cannot do everything perfectly. Mistakes are okay. You have to recognize when you are tired, and you need to take a minute to give yourself some mental care.”

For some students, the mental break that they need could be visiting the Coping Corner, which is located near the back of the library. Students are welcome to visit at any time to take a break if they feel like the pressure is too much for them to handle.

However, the Coping Corner may not be an option for some students, as they may need extensive care. Although some cases of stress or sadness can be short term, it is important for one to recognize when their mental health is getting poorer.

“There are many sources like Mrs. Tichy and the other counselors,” sophomore Ella Jones said. “Many adults are able to talk to as well.”

For students that do not feel like they have the strength to reach out, self-medication is often the answer for some students. This is not always a final solution, but it can help put students on the right path to get proper help.

One method of self-medication is taking a day off. On July 1, Oregon put a law into effect that gives their students five mental health days in a three-month period. Laws such as these have empowered children to take care of their mental health, all according to nytimes.com.

These privileges can be life-changing for many students, but it is feared that these laws may become abused.

“I think it’s reasonable to take days off for your mental health, as long as it isn’t repetitive and to a point where you rely on staying home to cope,” sophomore Sidharth Ravikumar said.

Regardless of whether or not a student has a mental illness, it can be beneficial for them to be able to recognize when they may need help and also to support each other in times of crisis.

“Mental health issues come in all shapes and sizes,” Mabie said. “We should support everyone who is strong enough to confront their mental health issue in their journey to a healthier life.”