Lifesaver Lumʻs Column: The Battle Against Anxiety
Anxiety affects 1 in 4 students. Heres what you need to know and how to help cope with anxiety.
Chances are, you, a friend or even a classmate is probably suffering from a form of anxiety. According to anxiety.org, “anxiety is the mind and body’s reaction to stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations.” Whether it be due to school or your personal life, anxiety will take its toll on a person, both physically and mentally. People with anxiety will feel helpless and lonely. Don’t be afraid; you aren’t alone.
According to an Anxiety and Depression Association of America research, anxiety affects 25.1 percent of teens between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. There are teens who go undiagnosed with anxiety and could increase the percentage greatly. If the numbers from the research are true, 1 in 4 classmates around you suffers from anxiety. That equates to 450 students out of the whole high school who suffer from anxiety. You are not alone. There are ways to help you cope with anxiety.
One way to cope is taking a minute away from the activity giving you the stress and anxiety and simply relax. Take a few deep breaths, breathe in slowly, and exhale. Let your mind relax and clear up before continuing your activity. This will allow your mind to reset and do your activity with a clear mind. Another way is to exercise regularly. This will allow you some time in your day to release your stress through exercise. A simple jog in the afternoon can allow you to reduce your stress and anxiety greatly. If those methods don’t work, then maybe it’s time to consider seeking professional help.
You can talk to your counselors, parents, or even a therapist. Kamehameha Schools offers an anonymous helpline called the Hiʻikua Student Helpline. This is a third-party company that you can contact to receive help while still remaining anonymous. Their number is 1-844-284-2640. Another option is to call the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline. They are a national organization that provides 24-hour support from healthcare professionals. Their number is 1-800-273-8255. If your anxiety is becoming too much to deal with, then please seek help.
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My name is Joby Lum, some know me as Mateo and I am a senior and a first-year member of Ka Moi. I came to the hill during my Freshmen year. I have many interests that range from photography to politics and medicine. I am the president of the KS Lifesavers Club and the KS Aviation Club. My dream is to become a paramedic and be able to serve those in my community. I chose to join Ka Moi because I love to write and be able to show the other side of a story. I feel that Ka Moi will help me become a stronger writer and expose me to the world of journalism.
