This October, as we recognize several days dedicated to mental health—Depression Awareness Month, Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-12), and World Mental Health Day on October 10—we’re reminded of the importance of early intervention in mental health care. Sarah’s* story is a powerful reflection of how life-changing that support can be.

Mental health struggles can have a profound impact on a child’s educational, emotional, social, and physical well-being. In fact, 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14¹, and high school students with depression are twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers². That’s why it’s so crucial to intervene early and provide the tools and support children need to thrive, as Sarah experienced firsthand.

When Sarah first came to CHS for counseling, she was struggling with depression and self-injurious behavior. From the very first session, she showed a remarkable willingness to engage and learn new skills to manage her emotions. Sarah worked hard between sessions, completing homework assignments and reflecting on her progress each week.

One of her most challenging moments came when she wasn’t selected to move on to regionals in track and field, a disappointment that hit her hard. But with the help of grounding exercises and open conversations in therapy, Sarah began to understand her feelings and learned how to cope with them.

Just a few months later, Sarah’s growth became clear. During a track meet, she used the techniques she had learned in therapy to manage her own anxiety—and even taught her teammates deep breathing exercises to help them stay calm. Sarah’s ability to recognize her personal progress, even when she didn’t win the race, showed how far she had come.

By the time she reached her final counseling session, her transformation was undeniable.  She reported no more depressive symptoms and was ready for the next school year— confident, empowered, and emotionally strong.

Sarah’s journey is a testament to the power of early intervention and compassionate mental health support. Depression can feel overwhelming, but with the right help, children and families can overcome these challenges and build a brighter, healthier future.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, remember help is available. To learn more, visit chslistens.com. Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow.

*Name has been changed to protect client privacy.

Sources:
1. Florida Department of Health, Dec. 2023
2. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2017