Empowering Voices: NIC Students Share Insightful Experiences at Mental Health Panel

When Maddie Jereczek started high school, she thought it would be just like middle school. But it was tough for her. The stress got so overwhelming that she had to switch to online classes. Later, she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

“It wasn’t a single event that led to my depression,” Maddie shared. “It was many little things that weighed me down.” It took her nearly a year to understand her mental health struggles. When she returned to Coeur d’Alene High School, she was more determined to take care of herself.

“I was focused on fitting in and having lots of friends, and I lost track of who I am,” she reflected.

Maddie spoke about her experiences with other students during a panel on youth mental health at North Idaho College. They highlighted traditional pressure points like school demands, along with modern issues such as cyberbullying.

“Cyberbullying doesn’t stop when you go home,” said junior Emmie Nail. “It really affects you.” Junior Addison Wallace added that learning to ask for help made it easier for her to manage her generalized anxiety disorder. “It’s crucial to talk about your feelings, even if you just say, ‘I’m not sure what’s wrong,’” she explained.

After the student panel, mental health experts addressed the need for better support for youth. In Idaho, every county has a shortage of mental health providers. The state ranks the lowest in the U.S. for the number of psychiatrists per person, according to Renard Alotta from Kootenai Health.

Many young people in crisis end up in emergency rooms but often leave without the help they need. “Prevention usually happens outside of hospitals,” Alotta emphasized. “Talking openly about mental health is key.”

“Getting help should be as normal as anything else in growing up,” he said.

Alex Harris, dean of students at NIC, shared his admiration for students who openly discuss mental health issues. “Every week, I see college students talking about these matters with new friends, and it gives me hope,” he noted.

This conversation is vital, especially since youth mental health issues are rising nationwide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adolescents experience a mental health disorder. Events like these panels help break the stigma around discussing mental health, offering support and community to those who need it.

For more in-depth insights, you can explore studies on youth mental health from [the National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov). Understanding the challenges young people face today is crucial for fostering a supportive environment.

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