UNITY ‑‑ Bell Let’s Talk day aimed at raising awareness and funds for mental health awareness has been recognized in local schools.
Kaesyn Reed, a student of Kerrobert Composite School, says she and a group of her companions got together and talked about mental health and why it is important for it to be discussed more often than it is.
Kaesyn says that due to COVID-19 and exams they were not able to host anything on or near Bell Let’s Talk Mental Health Awareness Day. However, she adds, students did put out boxes so people could leave a message on how they felt. The boxes were placed in various locations around the school including the library, which is considered a safe environment by students, who may be struggling in school or in their minds. The insertions were completely anonymous and will serve as assistance in helping KCS come up with a plan to help a student or staff member who is struggling in silence.
“I, myself, have struggled with many mental health issues in the past and I want to be a voice for those who suffer from MH issues. I want to tell others they are not alone, and they do not have to suffer in silence,” Kaesyn says.
At UCHS, students earmarked a January hat day fundraiser for the Kids Help Phone. In early March, a school-wide presentation on schizophrenia will be held.
Meanwhile, Miss Riddell’s Grade 8 English Language Arts class is piloting a mental health initiative. The class is currently reading “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," which author JK Rowlings wrote while dealing with depression.
Riddell says as they have been reading the novel, the class has discussed cognitive behavioural therapy, and it is hoped students will learn skills to use when experiencing stress and may work to improve their overall mental health.
" … we read a chapter or several chapters and then I introduce key CBT principles or ideas and we discuss how they relate to the characters in the novel." Riddell explains.
"Harry Potter, for example, has feelings of insecurity and being alone, which many teenagers also experience. The students are then encouraged to do some self-reflection and think about how they are feeling and how they can use some of the principles in their own lives.”
Riddell adds, "I think the students can see the applications in the novel and how the characters react to certain situations. Our hope is that the students will be able to self-identify when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed and then can use some of the strategies that we've learned to help themselves. We've discussed different stress busters such as: playing sports, cuddling with a pet, talking with friends or trusted adults, or even going for a walk and how those can help us relieve stress."
Some students had previously read the Harry Potter books while for others this is their first time, and Riddell says most are enjoying the novel and ensuing discussion. She says it has provided a great platform to discuss mental health and how everyone can help themselves be healthy and positive, and how to move on from negative thoughts or experiences.
Reid Martin, UCHS student and PSCC/Activate committee co-chair, adds,"Our committee commits to whatever activities we can to boost student morale, being mindful of restrictions."
Martin also says as a student, he has found his friends a big help through the pandemic and they rely on each other for support, as through the uncertain times, the friend group has been one of the few constants in his life the past two years.
"As a committee member, you can see how much the staff care about students and how much they want to help us succeed as well as their efforts in making students feel good and safe, supporting wellness initiatives."
