Did you know Omaha South High has a group that focuses on mental health?
Omaha South’s Hope Squad group has valuable information that many people may not know about, according to Counselor Michael Buell. Buell said he grows and develops his own skills while also managing Hope Squad by teaching lessons and running activities, such as sidewalk chalk, with hopeful messages for those struggling with mental health.
Buell added that he teaches students lessons about the warning signs of suicidal ideation. This helps him reinforce skills as he teaches them to other students. Buell said there are many lessons that can teach empathy, conflict management and wellness, including how to take care of yourself — valuable lessons that can help throughout life.
Buell added that people at South High have changed since Hope Squad started by bringing awareness to mental health and showing that it is OK to talk about it and speak up if you are struggling mentally. More people are talking openly about it, and fewer are keeping it to themselves.
Buell said this creates a more positive atmosphere throughout the school by bringing awareness to people who are struggling. He said he wants people to learn how to cope with mental health challenges while still being positive and becoming the best versions of themselves.
Buell added that he reaches students who are the most isolated and hardest to connect with by encouraging Hope Squad members to be observant of students who are afraid to speak up about their mental health.
The most important thing Buell says to someone who is struggling is to “get help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re at school, go to the counseling office, because we are prepared to help anyone who has issues or trouble,” he said. The counseling office has mental health resources and and individuals ready to help.
Buell said he handles the pressure of knowing that students might come to him with their heaviest burdens by staying calm, letting people tell their stories and being patient. “Lots of times, when people are troubled, they feel better talking about it to someone they can trust,” Buell said.
He also added that their goal is to develop trust with all students so that if they have an issue, they can talk to their counselor instead of not talking to anybody.
