Mental Health Matters by Sofija

Mental Health Matters by Sofija - November 2019 Scholarship Essay

The continuous social stigma surrounding mental illness in my community inspired me to pursue my current internship with the Mental Wellness Center of Santa Barbara. I sought out this opportunity because Santa Barbara, my home, has seen increasing suicide rates among young adults in the last few years, directly impacting the lives of those around me. The increasing statistics show an alarming number of students in their middle and high school years, bringing me to realize that we need to spread an awareness of mental health to a larger community — including the students at our high schools.

Beginning as an opportunity for me to learn the basics of mental health, my collaboration with the Mental Wellness Center laid the foundations for me to take action, connecting people with resources and empathizing with those around me. As a student council leader in the community, my goal is to raise an awareness of mental health through education, direct action, and leadership.

Through the internship, I learn how to identify signs of mental illness and connect people with resources. Using my newfound communication and outreach skills, I’ve had a significant impact on both my inner circle of friends, and my fellow students. When a close friend came to me about her difficulties with anxiety and depression, I was able to ask the right questions in order to determine the level of help she needed, eventually connecting her with trusted adults and tools to direct her towards positive growth. The experience of having a close friend open up and share her struggles revealed to me that the true impact and prevalence of mental health is often unseen. I have discovered that a staggering number of friends and acquaintances in my community are fighting against depression, anxiety, addiction, and emotional trauma. Aiding those immediately around me has revealed to me both the hidden impact of mental illness, and the corresponding stigma in my community.

Through the Mental Wellness Center, my student council members and I gather to both discuss our plans and monthly campaigns, and learn how to spread an awareness of mental health to a larger community. We receive training in identifying the signs of mental illness, ensuring that we are able to successfully aid someone in need when it matters the most. Mental health needs to be talked about — unlike a physical ailment, mental disorders often lack visible signs, creating both obscurity and stigma.

In efforts to combat the social stigma, my council members and I have taken our training to our high school communities, hosting “Youth Wellness Connection” clubs. There, we teach students how to better understand the signs of emotional distress, reach out to a trusted adult, and make a difference in campus culture by raising awareness. The ability I have as a student to positively influence others has been made clear to me over the years as a club leader. Leading club meetings for the past two years, I have not only been able to empathize with my community, but also set an example for others. At my high school, I have seen our club members actively engage in our campaigns, sharing their newfound outreach skills with friends, teachers, and even strangers. Our club members continues to increase in number, and I look forward to passing on my leadership role to the younger students when I graduate. I will look for opportunities to continue this work into college and throughout my life.