One in five teens have suffered from mental health disorders. Mental health affects your athletic abilities, academic performance, social well-being, and your home life. Students who are struggling come to school every day wondering if someone is looking out for them, little do they know there are places all around. The Mental Health fair at HHS shows students that there are resources all around that can help them. 

At the Mental Health fair there were many departments and facilities that help people if they are struggling such as Family Service Association (FSA), ProActive Behavioral Services, Live 4 Lali, and Turning Point. Some of these departments focus on mental health while others were there for behavioral issues or domestic violence. Many people who were there believe that people can overcome anything. 

“I have just always wanted to help people and I have suffered with some mental health issues as well. So I thought that if I could overcome anything, someone else could too,” Meghan Mumenthal, a social worker from Huntley Police department said. 

At the event there were service dogs, candy, the cafe was open, and there was so much information that was grasped at this event. Many students who are hurting believe that no one is there for them, this fair showed that was just a misconception. 

“There is so much of a need for [mental health], I know that when I was going to school there were not a lot of social workers that I could talk to. And I wanted to be a part of it and help children recognize that it is okay to talk about your feelings. It is okay to have moments of sadness and happiness,” Jenifer Crazythunder from FSA said. 

Organizations from Huntley, Woodstock, Elgin, Lake In the Hills, and Crystal Lake came to support this event at HHS. People told amazing stories about their hard past times and how they overcame those difficult issues, bringing a new sense of hope to people that are hurting. The environment was filled with hope and understanding, each person helping someone in need.  

“I had a client who struggled with social anxiety. She went from being so anxious that she could not order her own meal at a restaurant. But at the end of therapy, she got a job at a fast food restaurant and she started interacting with everyone in the community,” Jenny Morales, clinic manager for prevention and mentors, from Pioneer Center for Human Services said. 

Veteran Charles Morgan from American Legion- “ There are three things, ask the questions, go help the person in need ask ‘How are you doing?’ or ‘I have not seen you in a long time, are you feeling okay?’ Then you have to listen, especially for us guys, you have to sit there and listen to them. The last thing is to go and get them some help, even if it means going with them and taking a walk with them. Just so they know somebody is on their side.”