Checking in with yourself — a student’s perspective on mental health awareness
By Tracy Christopher on Thursday, October 16th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION & BAKER COUNTIES — For one local high school student, managing stress during a busy school week starts with something simple — taking a few quiet minutes to check in with themselves.
“I like to journal at the end of the day,” the student said. “It helps me sort through what I’m feeling and think about what went well, or what I might want to change tomorrow.”
The student recently shared these thoughts in a conversation following mental health advocate Ivy Watts’ visit to local schools — a presentation that encouraged students to recognize the signs of stress and find ways to care for their mental well-being.
When asked how they know they’re starting to feel overwhelmed, the student was honest.
“I tend to shut down a little,” they said. “I don’t really talk to people, I just want to be alone in my room or on my phone. It’s like I’m trying to distract myself instead of facing what’s wrong.”
That sense of withdrawal, the student explained, can be hard to talk about — not because students don’t want help, but because of the stigma that still surrounds mental health.
“It’s gotten a little better since COVID,” they said, “but people still hesitate to talk about it. They don’t want to feel judged or like they’re being dramatic.”
The student believes schools can help by making sure everyone knows where to turn.
“We have counselors and natural helpers at school,” they said. “Just making sure everyone knows who they are — and that it’s okay to talk to them — would make a difference. They really are helping make our school more supportive.”
They also found new techniques helpful after Ivy’s presentation, including one called ‘tapping’ — a grounding method used to reduce anxiety in stressful moments.
“I tried it before a test, and it actually helped,” they said with a smile. “It’s like reminding yourself, ‘I’m okay. I can do this.’”
When they do need to talk, the student said they usually turn to their closest friends — people who listen without judgment.
“It’s nice to know there’s someone who understands,” they said. “Sometimes you just need to talk it out.”
These reflections echo a larger message that’s resonating across Union and Baker County schools — that mental health awareness starts with simple, everyday actions: noticing how you feel, reaching out when you need help, and showing kindness to those around you.
The mental health awareness presentations were coordinated by Union County CARE Coordinator Sheryln Roberts, with support from New Directions Northwest, Intermountain ESD, Grande Ronde Hospital, Union County Safe Communities Coalition, the Center for Human Development, and OSAA.
Together, these partners are continuing the mission that Ivy Watts inspired — helping students recognize that mental health matters, and that checking in with yourself is always a good place to start.
Previous Elkhorn Media Group articles related to Ivy Watts
Sept 29, 2025 https://elkhornmediagroup.com/national-mental-health-speaker-brings-tools-for-resilience-to-union-and-baker-county-students/
Oct 9, 2025 https://elkhornmediagroup.com/students-offer-honest-feedback-following-ivy-watts-mental-health-presentation/
Oct 13, 2025 https://elkhornmediagroup.com/voices-of-our-students-continuing-the-conversation-on-mental-health/
