LUNCHLY
Eater beware
Lunchables Challenger Just One Among Many Embarraing Food Recalls
Yesterday was a tough day. Just like the day before.
He woke up after four hours of sleep. Tossing, turning, the random thoughts streaming through his head. “I’ve got football practice. How am I gonna make it to work on time?” Last night’s shift ended late. His boss got mad when his cash drawer came up short. “Man. I can’t lose my job. My family is counting on me to help out.”
Another worry. He needed new shoes. But last week, after giving most of his paycheck to his family, he could only afford some Nike knock-offs from an online store. Adding to his anxiety pile, he found out some students in class took pictures of his shoes and texted them to their friends around the school. He doesn’t have a clean pair. He digs through his closet. “I’ve only got my church shoes. What am I gonna do?”
“Because teenagers are very social beings, there is so much pressure on the way they look,the way they act, and the things they do,” said CTA Coordinator, Ms. Ridinger. “One little goof up in a classroom and the students have a tendency to pick up on the weaknesses of other students. But school can also provide a benefit to mental health by allowing students to feel needed and allowing them to use their time for their benefit.”
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Teens Who Struggle With Mental Health (U.S. Dept. of Health)
*For mobile device users – Percentages are reported as: 1) All mental health issues 2) Anxiety 3) Depression.
It might surprise you that the state of Florida ranks #13 among all other states for teens who have experienced “at least one major episode of depression,” according to a 2023 survey by the U.S. Department of Health. Of these teens, about 60% did not receive any treatment or support.
The effects that poor mental health has on students can vary drastically in both positive and negative ways; the same way the issues can stem from both positive and negative factors, such as personal work and schoolwork, your perception of the those around you, and how you wish people to perceive you. Parents and family take its toll, too. But school tops the list at Creek.
“School has affected my mental health because I’m always stressed about getting ‘A’s and ‘B’s,” said junior Jeremiah McWorther. “If I don’t get good grades, I would feel like a failure.”
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It’s important for society to prioritize teen mental health by providing accessible and stigma-free support. This includes education on mental health in schools, easily accessible mental health resources, and having conversations around seeking help when help is needed.
By addressing these issues early on, teens can build mental strength and coping strategies to handle the challenges they face. All of us can contribute to good mental health for ourselves and for those who need an ear to listen.
Mental health is a sensitive issue and maintaining mental stability should remain a top priority; whether it be pertaining to school or to different aspects of life. For high school students, schools remain the biggest influence on one’s mental health. Considering the unique perspectives of students and staff, we can all improve. That includes how we look at school, says junior Perla Mendez.
“I feel like school has helped my mental health because I am doing something, like being productive with my time at school. It’s helped me compared to when I at home.”
