OJHS prioritizes mental health
In an ongoing effort to address the mental health needs of students, Olney Junior High School (OJHS) recently hosted representatives from Red River Hospital to deliver a presentation aimed at educating students and staff to recognize and respond to mental health crises. The event, which was held for students in grades 6 through 8, highlighted the signs of emotional distress and provided practical steps on how to help peers experiencing crises.
OJHS Counselor Emily Johnson and Principal Ed Berngen discussed how the school has been adapting its mental health services to better meet the needs of its student body in an increasingly complex world.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis OJHS incorporates mental health education into its curriculum every year. This year, the school invited Red River Hospital to provide students with more specialized information.
“We provide students with resources on suicide awareness, mental health, and how to help themselves or a friend in distress,” Ms. Johnson said. “This year, we wanted to bring in professionals who deal with mental health crises on a regular basis, to ensure that our students and faculty had access to the most current and effective guidance.”
The presentation focused on several key areas, including warning signs of mental health crises, such as drastic changes in behavior, withdrawal from social activities, increased irritability or anger, and expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness. Ms. Johnson emphasized the importance of educating students on how to spot these signs, not only in themselves but also in their peers.
“We provided students with information about what to do if they notice a friend showing signs of distress,” she said. “The biggest takeaway is that they should never try to handle these situations on their own. If a friend is struggling, they should reach out to a trusted adult, whether it’s a teacher, a counselor, or a parent.”
Students were also given resources, including QR codes linked to crisis lines and services provided by Red River Hospital. These resources are designed to make it easier for students to access help when they need it. “We wanted to make sure students have all the tools necessary to reach out for support when they feel overwhelmed,” Ms. Johnson added.
Mental Health Issues in Adolescents Mr. Berngen noted that while the state mandates that schools provide mental health education, the complexities of modern life require a more nuanced approach. “There are so many factors that impact a student’s mental health,” Mr. Berngen said. “We can’t narrow it down to one cause— whether it’s social media, home life, or chemical imbalances—each student faces different challenges. What we can do is build their confidence and help them develop a strong sense of self, so they can better navigate those challenges.”
Mr. Berngen, who has worked with students for over 20 years, pointed to the increasing pressures students face in the digital age. “I’ve seen students struggle with identity and social acceptance in ways that are deeply influenced by online interactions,” he said. “We need to focus on building their resilience and ensuring they understand the difference between online perceptions and real-life relationships.”
One of the key issues affecting adolescent mental health, according to Mr. Berngen, is social media’s pervasive influence. Research shows that prolonged exposure to social media can increase anxiety and depression, particularly among teenage girls. In response, the school plans to host an informational session for parents to educate them on the potential risks of social media and provide tools to monitor their children’s online activity.
Recognizing the Symptoms
During the presentation, students and staff were taught how anxiety and depression often manifest in adolescents. While anxiety is typically associated with fear or nervousness, Ms. Johnson explained that it can also present as anger or irritability. “Many times, anxiety doesn’t look like what people expect,” she said. “In junior high students, it can appear as explosive behavior or emotional outbursts, rather than the traditional signs of nervousness.”
Depression, on the other hand, can be identified through withdrawal from friends, a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, changes in sleep patterns, or fluctuations in appetite. “Students who are struggling with depression may seem disengaged or exhausted all the time,” Ms. Johnson said. “It’s important for both teachers and parents to recognize these subtle shifts and address them early on.”
Mr. Berngen acknowledged that it can be difficult for parents to discern whether changes in their child’s behavior are related to mental health issues or simply part of the natural emotional shifts that occur during adolescence. “Parents have to navigate a tricky time in their child’s life,” he said. “Junior high is when kids start becoming more aware of the world around them. They are learning social norms, how to build relationships, and how to process complex emotions. This can sometimes be confused with typical teenage moodiness, but parents should stay engaged, ask questions, and monitor changes in their child’s behavior.”
Expanding Mental Health Services
In addition to bringing in outside experts like Red River Hospital, OJHS has implemented several new mental health services aimed at supporting students on a daily basis. The school now offers virtual counseling sessions through partnerships with outside therapists, allowing students to meet with counselors during school hours without leaving campus.
“Students can log into therapy sessions using their Chromebooks, which makes it easier for them to receive help without missing too much class,” Ms. Johnson explained. These services are available to students regardless of their insurance status, with various options for those covered by Medicaid, private insurance, or no insurance
at all.
The school district also works with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to provide no-cost assessments for mental health treatment for students. Students are assessed remotely from a telehealth cart in Ms. Johnson’s office for mental health treatment by doctors, she said. “Doctors are able to assess student’s mental health, make diagnoses, prescribe medication, and then refer out to local providers if further treatment is required beyond the first few visits that are provided through the program.”
OJHS also works closely with parents to ensure they have access to the resources they need. “If a parent is concerned about their child, they can reach out to us at any time,” Ms. Johnson said. “We can help connect them to medical providers, counselors, or other resources to make sure their child gets the support they need.”
Looking Ahead
Mr. Berngen underscored the importance of continued education and adaptation. “We’re committed to standing by our students and ensuring they have the tools they need to navigate their emotional well-being,” he said. “We’ll keep adjusting our programs to meet their needs in this ever-changing environment.”