Mental Health probably isn't the first thing that people say when you ask them what's important. They'll say 'homework', or 'sports', or something else, but mental health is going to be the most important thing in everyone's life.

Hi, this is Paige, and I'm here to tell you my story that involves mental health.

School can be stressful, and maybe even boring for a select few. I got lucky in my school choices; I've been at my school since preschool. It can get a little boring - it's the same kids. Well, what do you expect with a student population of like 500 kids? All of them are pretty nice, except for some I won't mention. And then there was Elisabeth. Don't even get me started on her - she's held a grudge against me since kindergarten, when SHE stepped on MY arm. I forgave her and all, but deep down she won't let me forget it. She, along with some 'teachers' (I use that term loosely since they probably shouldn't teach kids) were the reason I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at age 10. Picture this: a tiny girl with glasses, often coming home crying and won't tell anyone what happened. 10 years old is a very young age to have ANY type of mental disorder... and yet, here I am. My twin was diagnosed the same way, except with more major anxiety than I.

Fast forward to now: My depression and anxiety rates have been skyrocketing over the past year. The worst part? My parents (mostly my mom) blame it on my 'poetic mind' and all that, but it's more serious than I let on. I was actually thinking about suicide back in March... I have a private journal that I've prepared a bunch of conversations in to explain why I didn't want to burden them with all that's wrong with me. I've figured out that most of my friends aren't 'feelers' and that they will say and do exactly what's on their mind... which meant that my best friend had a fight with some other friends that keep doing the exact same things to her over and over again. This friend also has depression and anxiety.

School and bad friendships are the leading cause of depression and suicide rates in teens today. Take a look at me and my twin: depression, anxiety, ADHD, and ADD. Not a good combination for 2 kids about to start anew. We made the decision to switch schools at the start of next year, after some 'happenings'...

More and more people are being diagnosed with any type of anxiety disorders. Stress is the most prevalent cause. Stress leads to bad mental health-you focus on what others think rather than what you know is best for you, there's more focus on small issues that don't even matter, etc.-and bad mental health almost always leads to anxiety, whether on a large or small scale. I spent too much time thinking about what others thought, I didn't have time to myself!

Please be aware of your mental health. Give yourself 10 minutes to yourself - a meditation period where you can reflect on your day. I didn't learn what 'mental health' was until I was 11. So, take care of yourself! Please! -Paige