PTSA Meets on Mental Health

by Leah Peloff ‘18

For many decades, it has been evident that teenagers struggle with mental health. There are societal expectations that many teens feel they must conform to in order to be well-liked. Those who do not t this mold may feel singled-out, alone, or de- pressed, leading to the devastatingly com- mon spiral into eating disorders, cutting, and suicide.

This trend led the Sherwood PTSA to host a meeting on November 15 addressing teen depression. Each year, the PTSA talks about this topic at this particular time of the year because the holidays can be one of the hardest times for those struggling with depression. Everyone seems so cheerful and happy, so when one does not have this same joy, they feel even more ostracized and alone.

This year, Athletic director Kathy Green suggested speaker Jamie Popernack, who works at the Mental Health Association of Montgomery County, to come speak to parents in attendance about how to tell if their child needs help, and then how to aid them from there.

Her presentation started by giving scenarios that could prove as red ags. “Anyone can be at risk of suicide when they feel hopeless and overwhelmed,” said Popernack. “These feelings are sometimes demonstrated through giving away prized possessions, neglecting personal appear- ance, engaging in risky behavior, acting out/aggression, withdrawing from family and friends, and more.”

If a student is showing any of these signs, what should one do? Popernack elaborated how all threats of suicide should be taken seriously, and help should be sought out/provided immediately. She stressed that hotlines are a great place for teens to con de in because an expert is always there to talk with no strings attached. They also have text hotlines where one doesn’t even have to talk to the person on the phone; they can instead communicate in whatever way feels most comfortable to them.

Despite this timelessly important issue, only about 15 to 20 people showed up to the meeting. “The attendance was typical, and in line with the turnout when this top- ic was addressed last year. Every PTSA I have been involved with has this issue. In my opinion, people are simply busy, and 7 p.m. is family time. If we tried earlier, parents are working, and later is too late,” explained Randall McGill, the president of the PTSA. To compensate for this, McGill is working on an email bulletin named “On Point,” which will serve to communicate the goals of the PTSA and its guest speak- ers to members unable to attend.

With the help of the PTSA and lead- ers like Popernack, people can now easily educate themselves on teen mental health, suicide, and depression.