Reconnecting with My Siblings
Four years ago, my siblings and I were distant. I hadn’t spoken to my older sister, who is seven years my senior, in over a year. My brother, three years older than me, and I only spoke every few weeks, but our conversations lacked depth. My younger sister and I had a bit more contact, yet we were still lucky if we checked in once a week.
Around that time, my mother and her siblings began having a monthly sibling day to strengthen their relationships. Watching them reconnect and support each other inspired my siblings and me to start our own tradition. Since we lived in three different states at the time, we opted for weekly calls instead of in-person meetups. Now, nearly two years later, three of them live in the same state, and I live in another, but our calls have become the foundation of our relationship. These calls taught us to communicate better, build trust, and support each other in ways we hadn’t before.
The Struggle for Acceptance
Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t quite belong. I sought acceptance from my siblings but rarely felt like they wanted me around. This desire for acceptance mirrors the experience of many students in schools today. Children constantly seek validation from their peers, teachers, and administrators. When they don’t receive it, they can start to withdraw, eventually becoming disconnected from the school system altogether.
Just as I felt isolated from my siblings, students who don’t feel seen or supported often find themselves on an “island,” unsure how to re-establish connections. The truth I’ve learned is that while it’s important to have a place to retreat to, it’s equally essential to have a healthy village that holds you accountable and keeps you focused. This is where schools and communities often fail—by not providing students with the emotional support they need to feel like they belong.
Managing Mental Health and Relationships
Having been diagnosed with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety, conversations with my siblings can feel different depending on the day. Sometimes they’re uplifting, but other times they can be daunting, stressful, or even upsetting. The emotional complexity of these interactions depends not only on my own mental health but also on the dynamics of each sibling’s personality.
To protect my peace, I’ve had to set boundaries, meet my siblings where they are, and shield my mental health when necessary. Some days, it feels overwhelming, but other times, it’s surprisingly manageable. This dynamic mirrors what I’ve observed in schools. Students, particularly those with mental health challenges, often face the same emotional rollercoaster. They must balance advocating for themselves while navigating a system that frequently overlooks or under-supports their needs.
These calls have taught me how to work through issues, express my feelings in a safe space, and advocate for myself. Without them, I might never have realized the power of using my voice to fight for what feels right. In the same way, students need safe spaces in schools where they can express themselves, find support, and advocate for their needs.
Understanding Mental Health Disorders
To fully appreciate how mental health affects daily life, it’s important to understand the specific challenges individuals face. Below are brief definitions of the disorders that I live with:
Depression: A mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A disorder characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that one feels driven to perform in response to the obsessions.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Anxiety: A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.
These mental health challenges are common among students in schools, yet support for students dealing with these conditions is often inadequate. Schools are frequently under-resourced in providing the necessary counseling and mental health services that students need to thrive.
Consistency Builds Trust and Equity
At first, our sibling calls were difficult. We weren’t used to talking regularly outside of major family events, and it took time to adjust to making space for these weekly check-ins. However, as we persisted, consistency became the key to building trust and understanding between us.
Consistency has been critical to our growth as siblings, and it’s just as important in the education system. Schools and communities thrive when there is consistent communication, regular check-ins, and a foundation of trust between students, educators, and parents. Just as my siblings and I have learned to rely on each other for support, students need to feel that their teachers and school administrators are there for them consistently, both academically and emotionally.
Using our voices to advocate for ourselves and each other has been essential in our sibling relationships, and the same is true in the fight for equity in schools. Words have power, and it’s vital for students, families, and educators to use their voices to challenge unfair systems and practices.
Addressing Mental Health in Schools
It’s clear that mental health is an overlooked aspect of the education system. From my own experiences, I’ve come to realize how essential it is for schools to provide support for students struggling with mental health issues. Below are some actionable steps that educators and schools can take to address mental health more effectively:
Increase Access to Mental Health Resources: Schools should prioritize hiring more counselors and mental health professionals who can provide individualized support to students. This can include offering regular mental health check-ins, group counseling sessions, and peer support programs.
Implement Mental Health Education: Just as students are taught academic subjects, they should also be educated on mental health. Schools can integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum to teach students about managing emotions, coping with stress, and understanding mental health conditions.
Foster Safe Spaces: Create environments where students feel safe expressing their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment or punishment. This could involve setting up dedicated spaces for mental health breaks or quiet reflection during the school day.
Train Educators on Mental Health: Teachers need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to recognize mental health struggles in their students. Schools can offer professional development on identifying signs of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, as well as training on how to respond with empathy and support.
Advocate for Mental Health Policy Reform: Schools can partner with parents and community leaders to push for state and national policies that prioritize mental health services in schools, ensuring that all students have access to the care they need.
The Power of Connection, Consistency, and Advocacy
The weekly calls with my siblings have taught me the importance of connection, communication, and consistency—lessons that are just as vital in education and mental health advocacy. By building strong, trusting relationships, whether with family or within schools, we create environments where people feel supported and empowered to use their voices.
As we move forward, it’s crucial for schools to recognize the importance of mental health support, just as families must prioritize communication and consistency to stay connected. Students deserve to feel like they belong, both emotionally and academically, and it’s up to all of us to ensure they have the tools and support to thrive.
Call to Action:
If you believe in the importance of supporting mental health in schools and building stronger connections in our communities, I encourage you to take action. Whether it’s advocating for better mental health services, volunteering in your community, or simply being a voice for equity, your involvement can make a difference.
Join the movement today by supporting mental health advocacy in schools or learning more about how you can help students thrive. Donate Here