Parents, administrators and health care providers gathered last night at Arlington High School to discuss students' mental health. The high school will look to present more effective strategies to help students cope with stress, after last year's Youth Risk Behavior Survey  showed that one-third of Arlington High School students feel stressed all of the time and more than half feel stressed most of the time.

Health care professional Janelle Montano joined the group and shared her personal struggles dealing with depression after her brother committed suicide.

"Things shouldn't have to hit rock bottom before we do something," she told parents. "We can prevent these problems."

Montano discussed healthy expressions of anger and exemplified warning signs for parents to look out for. She demonstrated strategies on how to create a safe space for their children to open up about stress and anxiety.

"The more you have the conversation, the easier it becomes," Montano said. "It becomes normal for your kids to talk about it, and then they don't need to hide as much."

Montano will also put on a presentation for students at the high school this week to smash some of the stigmas about mental health. She hopes to create an open dialogue between students and administrators.

"It's not just a one shot deal," Montano said. "As long as we keep talking about it, our kids won't become another statistic."