With finals, AP tests and end-of-the-year projects hastily approaching, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin as a high school student. What often goes unnoticed is the toll that constant pressure takes on one’s mental well-being. That’s why Wellness Week at Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) couldn’t have come at a better time—it served as a reminder that mental health isn’t just a buzzword, but an absolute priority we all need to take seriously.
HBHS held Wellness Week from April 28 to May 2, and each day brought new ways for students to de-stress and recharge. Wellness Week is a school-wide initiative dedicated to promoting mental health, reducing stress, and reminding students to prioritize their wel
l-being through daily activities, resources, and support. The week started with a calming sound bath and a reflective homeroom activity on Monday. On Tuesday, the grand opening of Breakwater—the new on-campus wellness space—offered students a place to unwind. Thursday featured the highly anticipated Wellness Fair in the quad, filled with interactive booths (slime making, rock painting and therapy dogs), calming activities and community resources focused on mental and emotional support.
Our campus offers many ongoing mental health resources, both new and familiar. Breakwater is a quiet, welcoming environment where students and staff can take a break, breathe and reset. The Well Space is a dedicated on-campus area where students can access mental health support, meet with counselors, and take a break in a calm, welcoming environment during the school day. This space provides access to counseling during school hours through a simple online form. Students can access it here: Well Space Check-In.
Another essential tool is Text to Tip, an anonymous reporting system for bullying, crime or mental health concerns. Just text “TIP HBHS” to 848-261—it’s confidential and available when you need it most.
Beyond our campus, several resources in Huntington Beach and Orange County provide free or low-cost support:
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Students fold paper and peace together at the origami table, proving that mindfulness can be hands-on and fun. (Ximena Amaro) 988: Call or text, or visit the website for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
- OC Warm Line: Call 714-991-6412 or chat online for non-emergency emotional support.
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741 for immediate help.
- Teen Line: Text “TEEN” to 839-863 to speak with another teen who gets it.
HBHS also connects students with Care Solace and Hazel Health, which offer at-home therapy and counseling. For those seeking specific help, such as support for LGBTQ+ students, housing insecurity or family struggles, here is HBHS’s complete list of Student Resources.
So why do we need all of this?
Because mental health affects all of us, whether you’re someone who bottles things up or someone who wears stress on your sleeve, you deserve support. It’s easy to dismiss our emotions in the chaos of exams and deadlines, but mental health is just as important as physical health. During stressful times, check in with yourself. Ask how you’re doing—and remember it’s okay to reach out for help because that’s not weakness, it’s strength.
