VERSAILLES, Ky. — School Counselors have seen an increase in students dealing with mental health issues over the last few months. 

What You Need To Know

  • School Counselors helping students through difficult situations

  • Kristen Wilson has been a counselor for 8 years

  • Woodford Co. Public Schools have resources for students

  • Counselors are seeing an increase in students asking for help

 

For the last eight years, Kristen Wilson has been a school counselor at Woodford County High School.

“It’s more than a job, it’s a calling. I feel like they are my family,” Wilson said.

Impacting the lives of her students.

“My students mean the world to me. I’m in a very unique position because I was an elementary school teacher here in Woodford County before I became a counselor. So I was with a lot of their teachers. So they come to me for just about everything which I love,” Wilson said.

Wilson says over the last year she has seen an increase in students seeking help when it comes to mental health.

“It doesn’t just affect the small ones, it affects everybody. It’s something that we take very, very seriously. We don’t want to take any chances,” Wilson said.

Students like Fabian Garcia, a senior at Woodford County High School, says he sees first hand his peers struggling with their mental health. 

“I know I was in a situation earlier this year and I went to the guidance office and they really helped me out,” Garcia Said.

And is thankful to have resources at his school like Wilson to help his peers during tough situations.

“It feels amazing. You know you always have people there for you and you know you have people there, so it’s always good,” Garcia said.

To deal with losses in the community, and COVID-19, Wilson says no matter what, mental health is a priority when it comes to her students. 

“It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to, you know, have your moments where you’re just kind of at a loss, but it’s also important to reach out to someone. I always tell my students don’t struggle in silence,” Wilson said.

Wilson says it’s a topic that not only high schoolers face. Mental health issues have been rising in all grade levels, including faculty members and adults in the community, and recommends people to reach out if they need help. 

In honor of school counseling week, Woodford County Public Schools has celebrated and honored their employees throughout the week for their hard work during this school year. 

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