Speaker Addresses Adolescent Mental Health

December 12, 2018

As a school community, Cretin-Derham Hall is committed to educating students, families, and staff on mental health and wellness, especially as it relates to teenagers. 

According to an article in Time Magazine in November 2016, "about 3 million teens ages 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode in the past year according to the Department of Health and Human Services. More than 2 million report experiencing depression that impairs their daily function. About 30% of girls and 20% of boys...have had an anxiety disorder according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health."

Cretin-Derham Hall hosted Josh Rivedal, a youth mental health specialist, author, L.A. based playwright and journalist to educate the community on critical mental health issues. He spent the day at Cretin-Derham Hall, sharing curriculum designed to open discussions about general mental health issues.  He addressed coping tools students need to address their own mental health if they are dealing with anxiety and/or depression.  He also offered information about recognizing mental health symptoms in others so that we can support those we care about.

After an all-school assembly, Rivedal later met with individual grade levels during their homerooms to do some suicide prevention work.  He also talked about hope, health, and relaxation.

At the end of the day, the community broke into CASA families for a small group check-in before they left for home. 

In addition, Rivedal met with interested parents and guardians, the most influential adults in teenagers' lives, later that evening at CDH.

Talking about these difficult topics can be hard for students who have experienced mental health issues of their own or for those who may be worried about someone they know.  Counselors are available if students need more support.

Mental health and well-being is a difficult topic for all ages and may raise individual questions and concerns.  For more information and resources, visit Josh Rivedal’s website.  In addition, CDH school counselors are always available for students and parents/guardians.