Why do you think discussion surrounding mental health in teenagers is important?

“Discussion surrounding mental health in teenagers is vital.  During adolescence, we are rediscovering who we are, our beliefs, and world views.  It is ever so important that during this time, teenagers are informed on how to care for their mental health and are also aware of resources they can utilize.  Conversing about mental health fosters connection, offering a stop to feelings of loneliness.  This enables teens to have the courage to speak up and ask for help.”

How do you feel about the impacts of social media on mental health?

“I think social media is a great tool that fosters community and togetherness.  Social media can be used to promote different causes as well as raise awareness on pressing issues.  However, social media’s impact becomes negative once it is used as a tool for division and separation.  More specifically, when it is used for comparison of different lifestyles.  It is important to know that the majority of what is portrayed on social media is not always true, so we should not be so quick to compare ourselves to others, especially to people we do not personally know.  We cannot assume anything from social media because it only portrays a fraction of the truth.”

As co-head of the Behind Every Smile Club, what do you hope to bring to the Upper School community?

“As co-head of the Behind Every Smile Club, it is my mission to help break the stigma surrounding mental health in our Upper School community.  Mental health affects each and every one of us, and it is important to recognize that everyone has difficulties in their private lives, regardless of whether we know what these challenges are or not.  It is essential that conversation about mental health is normalized to ensure that we as students and humans continue to grow and develop together.”

The King Street Chronicle thanks senior Olivia Ritossa ’24 for her contributions to “Humans of Sacred Heart.”