Mental health and school

[emgoo99]

Hey everyone so I am a 17 year old female currently completing year 12 and I know there is something wrong with me but I don't know what. I have such little motivation and I have just lost all interest in things and subjects that I used to love. I can't concentrate on anything I do, I can't study (which in year 12 is really bad) and I just feel so sad all the time. I know I should probably talk to someone about this and part of me just wants a 'diagnosis' of sorts so that I can name whatever I am feeling but I just really want to know how I can raise this with my teachers? Some have already spoken to me about how they have noticed a change in character over the past month or so and I am surprised they have noticed as I have always a very withdrawn and quiet student. I don't really want to talk to my parents because I don't want to worry them and I am thinking talking to some teachers I trust would be a good start, but how? I feel so bad because they're all probably thinking I am bored in their class and just being rude because I sit there in silence the whole time but in all honesty I'm just holding back tears until I can go home.

Can anyone enlighten me? I would really appreciate it x

[ahw309]

Hi emgoo99!

Welcome and thank you for posting 🙂

Reading your post, I felt like I was reading something I had written! What you're saying reminds me exactly of how I was in year 12!! (last year for me) With the stress of year 12, it's understandable if you may be feeling down, but it's important to get help if you feel you need it, especially as it could be something more, such as depression.

Talking to a teacher you trust is a great idea, and I'm so glad you have thought of doing so. I find it really difficult to talk to people, so I'm not sure if I can give you advice on how to do this, but I suggest going to them at a time when they're not busy or with any other students, and I'm not sure if this would make it easier, but maybe starting with strictly school-related things - such as how you've been struggling to concentrate in class or find the motivation to study, which could then open up the conversation to more. Or even just saying that you haven't been feeling like yourself, or that you've generally just been struggling. If the teacher has already noticed a change in you, it would probably make the conversation easier. Also keep in mind they will most likely be very glad that you've opened up to them, and very willing to help you!

When I was really struggling towards the end of year 11/start of year 12 a few teachers also noticed a change in me. I ended up talking to one who I felt really comfortable with, and she helped me so much. She was the one who approached me first, saying that I had changed, and I kind of tried to keep it light, saying that I just always felt like I couldn't be bothered with anything. That then lead me to open up about other things I was feeling, and she was the first to suggest I may be going through depression. It was a great comfort, and she also helped me realise that I was not okay, and needed help, and that that was okay! Talking to a trusted teacher was definitely something I am glad I did 🙂

Seeing the school counsellor is also something I'd recommend if you feel comfortable with doing so!

You can also refer to the information on this website. Look at the link for 'have the conversation', and maybe do the k10 test (test for depression and anxiety), which may help you see where things are for you.

Sorry if this wasn't very helpful! All the best with everything and with year 12, and take care 🙂

[emgoo99]

Thank you ahw309 so so much! That was so comforting and very helpful. I think I just need to suck it up and do it and I do know deep down that every thing will be so much better because of it.

Thanks again for typing exactly what I needed to hear x

[ahw309]

Hi again! Hope you're going okay 🙂

Thank you so, so much for the grateful reply!! I'm glad I could be of some help 🙂

[nogo17]

Hi, I had a daughter who just finished school last year- she was similar- just from a medical background can I suggest also considering getting a blood test as it is not uncommon to be low in B12 - my daughter has injections now and her energy level is so much better. Also the stress of grade 12 is horrible- don't put to much pressure on your self or let others pressure you, there is to much pressure to get that score - trust me there is life after year 12- so many people have a year off then go to uni or tafe. A friend of mine runs mindfulness programs in schools- it focuses on relaxation and mediation it has huge results that it will eventually be in curriculum. Just have time out, don't over load, and what ever will be will be- have some fun along the way also- and yes talk to others, I'm sure there are others at your school thinking the same thing but also not voicing it. Also look at headspace website and forums these are for teens and are excellent to get help. I love Headspace- and recommend it to all teens. You are not alone X

[rosewater]

Hi emgoo99, my year 12 experience was very similar. Do you feel comfortable with your year coordinator? They would be a good place to start, they are used to dealing with these sorts of issues. School counsellors also have good strategies to manage stress so I recommend you speak to them too. I don't know about you but personally I felt really hesitant to reach out for help because it seemed like I was the only one feeling this way, but actually you'd be surprised at how many students do so, especially in year 12.

In terms of bringing up the conversation with a teacher, maybe you could ask them if they could make some time to speak to you or ask them when they are free so that they are prepared for an in-depth conversation rather than just approaching them after class or whatnot. Seeing as though your teachers have already expressed concern, they seem like they do care about you and would be open to help.

Also, if year 12 doesn't work out for you, don't sweat it. I under-performed in high school and didn't get into any of my preferred courses which I was deeply disappointed about initially, but I found a way around it and here I am a few months later doing something I enjoy. There are heaps of alternate pathways out there, it might be worth talking it through with the teacher or with a careers advisor if you are concerned.

All the best!