Today, I had an epiphany. Just a couple of minutes ago, my best friend called me and cried for maybe 5 minutes, then rambled on about her life (there was much more, but too much to say in one blog post). In her opinion, her life was in such a mess, so we talked for three or four hours. So because of how personal it is, I’m not going to mention her name just for the sake of confidentiality.
Here’s a bit of what she said:
“…I just have so many regrets. I didn’t apply for the schools I should have, I feel jealous for my friend who is going to one of the best dance schools in the nation and I definitely could have gotten in. Am I just lazy? Did I just miss out on a better life?” – My Best Friend
I was quite shocked, mostly because of how random and spontaneous the moment was. I mean, you don’t expect that type of call at 5:00pm on a Saturday. The moment was so real that I didn’t know what else to think after her ramble.
Instead, I just listened and absorbed all the material she was saying. The conversation went from her asking me what she should do, to me reassuring her that her life was set and she had nothing to worry about. If she was worried, I told her to take it in, but also think of what she could do to make it better. It took a while, but she calmed down and figure out what her next steps were. In the end, we were both happy to have talked it out.
If I had to generalize our conversation, I’d say it was genuine and both our minds were open to whatever we had to say. After the call, I thought that I was able to handle the situation well and I started thinking of what helped me get through it without abandoning my friend.
I came to the conclusion—which also happens to be my epiphany—that I owe it to my Positive Psychology class for knowing how to effectively handle a situation like the conversation I went through. These conversations occur across campus rather frequently. My high school, Henry M. Gunn High School, is very competitive and rigorous with its academics. Prioritizing academics takes a tole on the mental health of the students, and that is why the Positive Psychology course was created: to help those suffering from the competitive school environment.
I learned a vast range of items in the Positive Psychology course including: calmness, gratitude, meditation, mindfulness, and how to listen the right way. These skills are specifically aimed to help foster positivity in those who are depressed, stressed, and any other mental health disorders.
In most high schools, I realize, they may not be able to offer the same higher education I received. After all, mental health may not be the most active field to acknowledge, but luckily at Gunn High School I managed to gain an in-depth understanding into how to react and help someone who is suffering. Someone should not suffer alone, which is one of the purposes of the class. In general, the class taught me how to suffer with others, but also how to minimize the suffering.
In all, I think a course like the positive psychology course I took should be offered to better the entire community. The whole school community would benefit from this form of higher education, and the mindful growth students would be experiencing would be like no other.