CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — According to Stanford’s Children Health article, teenagers attending online learning can add extra stress and require adjustments.
Iliana Cortinas, a junior at Robstown High School, said focusing on mental health is important along with doing things that promote happiness.
Cortinas said one way she copes with stress is taking naps.
"Sleeping, I feel,improves my cognitive skills and regulates my mood,” Cortinas said.
Robstown High School senior Marissa Moreno said since transitioning to online learning, she realizes how important it is to take time for herself by listening to music and doing things to help relieve the pressure of school work.
“The teachers tell us to take breaks, because they understand that they are giving us more work than they normally do,” Moreno said.
Robstown ISD social worker Nataline Hall said the district is encouraging students to work on themselves, adding that "it's OK not to be OK."
Hall said some examples she gives students to help with their mental health includes taking deep breaths, going for a walk or drinking water. She said the school district has trained about 10% of each campus staff in mental health first aid.
"It's about giving that professional the education around signs and symptoms when it comes to mental health and youth,” Hall said.
Cortinas and Moreno said because their teachers are available 24/7, seven days a week and on the weekends via email, they can help them deal with added stress.
“So just being mindful about their social and emotional needs," Hall said. "And again, we are all about our students. That definitely as a whole we want to be very supportive of our families." .
"Don't be afraid to reach out to someone you trust," Cortinas said. "And do things that make you happy,."
For more information on Robstown ISD’s resources click here.
And for more on mental health first aid click here.
