Bella Swansinger
eSomethin Staff
Mental health has been a struggle for teens and in recent years more studies have come out about the effects of mental health on teengers. Many schools have had to figure out how to adapt to help adolescents with mental struggles.
Perrysburg High School has implemented many strategies to help students, including counselors assigned to students by last name. There are many people and resources available to our students.
School counselor Latisha Highsmith serves students with the last name initials Si-Z.

Highsmith said “1 on 1 checks in” the counselors are probably the most helpful service the school offers. She also said the waiting nook is a place where students can linger in when it gets too overwhelming. The space has art supplies, coloring books, helpful anxiety toys, a couch, and books on helping calm down the overwhelming thoughts.
As simple as it seems, this can be incredibly helpful to students having a bad day.
Highsmith said, “Mandatory yearly check ins, and each student has a check ins yearly” could help to improve morale among students.
“Students currently have access to school counselors, social workers, and two clinical health companies that we refer our students, too,” Highsmith said.

Gabby Cipriani, a sophomore said she thinks the nook creates a safe space for students who are struggling, as they know they are able to submit the form and get help as soon as possible.
“I also enjoy the coloring books, puzzles, and little trinkets in the counselor’s office,” Cipriani said.
“I think that Perrysburg as a whole does everything they can to help their students. Obviously they can’t eliminate all stress, as students are under daily pressure and expectations in terms of grades, work, extracurricular activities, and more. Perrysburg High School also offers different resources for different situations so that all students are able to have the same opportunities,” Cipriani said.
Mrs. Highsmith said, “Utilize your resources, you don’t have to suffer alone, there is help.”
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