"Its okay, to not to be okay"
Wicked Problem
Basic understanding of Depression & Anxitey:
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Depression is a major depressive disorder. It is the most common and serious medical silliness that can negatively affect how you feel, and affect the way you feel and act. It can also cause feelings of sadness and/ or loss of interest.
Who and what does it impact?
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Depression can impact everything. It can affect all aspects of your life, including your relationships with your family, loved ones, and even the community. Depression can make you feel angry for having this disorder.
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Anxiety is an emotion caused by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Some people with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts and/or concerns. They may avoid some situations out of worry
How deos this affect grades?
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Depression can cause a lot of different problems for students including energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism
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Anxiety if you don't treat it or get help right away it will be impossible for students to get school work done or study. It could also affect any relationships between peers and/or teachers. Students with anxiety disorders may miss or avoid school altogether.
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People with anxiety disorders have feelings of fear and questions that most likely interfere with everyday activities and can last for over 6 months. Anxiety can also put you at risk for more serious medical problems.
Is it different for everyone?
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Depression is different for everyone. How they feel, how they act, and how long it lasts.
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Yes, anxiety is different for everyone. The symptoms are different for everyone
How to cope/ find yourself?
If you're in a crisis, you need to seek help immediately!
About
Kyleigh Kohut
Hi, My name is Kyleigh and I’m a senior at Osceola High School. When I’m not in school I like to go out and do things with my friends, and when it’s nice out I like to go out on hikes with my family and dogs. I also like to help people because sometimes I understand what they are going through from my experience. I chose to do Why Wait because I wanted to make a difference in the Mental Health community and I wanted to learn more about these issues. I want to help people who don't have resources and who are suffering from issues like depression and anxiety. I hope to help them learn more about why they are and give them baskets that will have some objects, a card with breathing exercises, and coping mechanisms to hopefully help. My overall vision for this project is to help people who don’t have the resources to understand why they feel the way they do or why they have had depression and/or anxiety. I want to give those people baskets that will have breathing exercises and places where they can find free therapy around them or online, lotion, fidgets, lavender scent aroma rocks, and mental health stickers.
Interveiw
Who did I interview and why did I choose her?
I interviewed Dani from Family Therapy Associates in St. Croix Falls Wisconsin. I chose her because I knew she would have great answers and I have great connections with her. - Dani
Where do you suggest people go or who do they contact if they struggle with depression and anxiety?
-Talk to your Primary Doctor, and they should refer you to someone
-Contact a Psychologist
-If you're in school you can see the school counselor or a trusted adult
- Dani
What are the most common sigmas people have against Mental Health and how does this impact people?
What are some healthy resources for people who can't afford therapy?
If you're around a University you can go to a training therapist. There are apps, mental health clubs, talk to your counselor, and or a trusted teacher or adult. - Dani
What are some healthy coping mechanisims?
- Take deep breathes
-Move ( Go for a walk and exercise, etc)
Some things you know will shift your emotional state. ex: taking a relaxing bath or shower, eating a meal you love, and anything that is self-care.
- Dani
Do you have any recommendations for people with depression and or anxiety when they can't afford help or therapy?
People equate mental health struggles with weakness. It is not empowering and we want people to be strong and feel strong. They can overcome anything. Being put on some medication could make things worse. Finding the right medication is a journey and could take time. - Dani
- Form a healthy group of friends (have a group of friends that will be there for you and support you no matter what)
-People feeling shame about being on Medicaid
- If you can't get Medicaid, reach out to the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) support group.
-High School mental health clubs
-Some therapy clinics do pro bono which is free therapy. It depends on the clinics, but you just have to call around and ask.