Mental Health Update
News 10 Story on Karen Drossel: ‘She really changed my life:’ School social worker recognized for mental health advocacy by MHANYS
How we got to know Karen is her work every year in getting her students to attend our Mental Health Matters Day. Her motivation to bring young people to our event stems from her heartfelt desire to raise awareness about mental health and end the stigma that continues to exist.
We are honored that she is part of our network of mental health advocacy.
Glenn
‘She really changed my life:’
School social worker recognized for mental health advocacy
CAIRO, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Local school social worker, Karen Drossel was recently awarded the Friend of the Mental Health Association award from the state. When NEWS10’s Payton Cavanaugh first met Drossel, she was greeted with letters from students, faculty, and parents about just how much of an impact she’s made in her work. Yet, in getting to know Drossel and her story, she learned that a life of compassion has always been her mission.
“When I was in fifth grade, my mother was diagnosed with cancer, and I really needed a trusted adult,” Drossel explained. “I had that person in the nurse.”
Drossel has worked as the school social worker for the Cairo-Durham district for 18 years, though she has been an advocate for mental health her entire life.
“I’ve always focused on meeting people where they’re at and helping them use their voice if they are not able to for themselves,” said Drossel.
As a child, Drossel’s home life was constantly shifting. She was adopted when she was just over a year old, and grew up with an alcoholic father, and a mother who was sick.
“I learned what it’s like to have those challenges, and I never would have gotten through school without a trusted adult,” Drossel stated.
Now she’s become that person for countless students.
“She really changed my life,” said former student Ally Barnett. “My aunt, a few years ago, we ended up losing her because she committed suicide.”
Barnett said that school was the last place she wanted to be. That was until she met Drossel.
“There were people there to support me, and I wasn’t going through it alone,” Barnett added.
Drossel champions mental health advocacy like it’s second nature. From hosting the school’s suicide prevention club, to Gay Straight Alliance, and bringing students to the state capitol yearly for Mental Health Matters Legislative Day.
“She’s there for the students, not only for a job, but to help the students go through what they’re going through,” said one of Drossel’s current students, Lily Anne Dauphin.
Dauphin is just one of many students whose lives were forever changed by Drossel.
“I’ve never had the best mental health; I never like to put it out there,” said Dauphin. “I never like to ask for help, but with Ms. Drossel, I know I can.”
While Drossel received an award from the state for her work, it was the recognition from students that mattered most.
“I had a student who unfortunately lost his mom,” Drossel recounted. “He wasn’t going to actually attend graduation. I let him know he might regret it if he didn’t actually cross that stage. At graduation afterwards, when I went up to congratulate him, he told me that he only came because of me.”
Looking back on a career of compassion, NEWS10’s Payton Cavanaugh asked her what she would say to her younger self. It was a message that she extends to all the students she works with.
“I would say to myself, you’re going to get through all of this, and someday you’re really going to make a difference,” Drossel stated.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health know that there are resources available. The suicide and crisis hotline is available 24/7 at 988.
