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Davis Journal

Students discuss importance of mental health

Feb 17, 2023 10:51AM ● By Alisha Copfer

The West Bountiful YCC had a listening session on Feb. 9 with Danielle Kaiser from Davis Behavioral Health where they discussed mental health. Photo by Alisha Copfer

WEST BOUNTIFUL—On Feb. 9, the YCC held a special “listening session” involving a prevention specialist from Davis Behavioral Health speaking with those present. The presentation discussed the SHARP Survey (Student Health and Risk Prevention) and noted student responses.

“My role is to work with the community of south Davis to help prevent youth substance use and mental health problems,” said Danielle Kaiser, DBH Prevention Specialist. “Right now, I’m trying to fill some data gaps for our coalition, and part of that is getting more insight from the youth in our area on our current priorities.”

Kaiser took about 40 minutes to sit and talk with the youth council about their experiences in the community, at school and with their friends. “We want to hear opinions and perspectives from these students,” said Kaiser.

Of the 17 youth councilmembers, 14 were present for the discussion. Many of the kids opened up further than expected. “It was really impressive to hear,” said West Bountiful City Councilmember James Ahlstrom.

From connectivity in their community to depressive symptoms, every student present had something to say. While some were more vocal than others, each kid contributed to the discussion. “We are growing, things are changing and it all adds to the stress we face,” said Councilmember Claira Halling.

The kids discussed the dangers of social media and how teachers and others at school contribute to their daily moods. “It’s about the people,” said Councilmember Jack Kagie. “It’s a hard balance to learn and control.”

“In junior high, people are just trying to figure out who they are,” said Councilmember Camden Morrison. Morrison, who is in ninth grade, explained how he felt that sometimes technology can make people lazy and not productive in the way they should be.

One of the topics discussed thoroughly was about teachers and the amount of homework given to the students. Several kids brought up specific teachers and the overwhelming amount of work expected from their respective classes. “Life is speeding up; it all adds to the stress,” said YCC Mayor Elsie Buck.

Other students discussed the effects friends have on their lives. One student said he always felt better after talking to friends and how it helps get him out of a rut. Another student commented on the stigma mental health has in society. Stress was definitely a common theme during the conversation. Some students expressed how phones and social media interactions fuel these feelings.

“We want to expand on some of these things that DBH wants to work on, such as neighborhood attachment, depressive symptoms and commitment to school,” said Kaiser. She explained that the SHARP Survey is given to sixth, eighth and 12th graders, and these are some of the things covered in the survey. “The survey doesn’t diagnose depression; it is only asking if kids feel a certain way,” she said.

“Social media is just a bragging system,” said Morrison. Other students agreed that it fuels depression and overall adds to unnecessary stress. 

“Judging is a huge issue in our society,” said Buck. 

“It’s all kind of in the moment,” said Councilmember Ella Rodabough.

Of everything discussed, the students all agreed that mental health is a struggle for everyone. Having the right friends and surrounding yourself with a good community is an important way of working through these life stresses.