The focus on mental health, most especially for teens, is something which sits at the forefront of mainstream media, as well as educators nationwide.
Words such as cyber bullying, body shaming and sadly, suicide, are used more prevalently now than ever before.
With their ear to the ground and their finger on the pulse of what may make a major difference for the student body, the Oakdale Junior High School Alliance Club hosted its Third Annual Mental Health Awareness Day on Thursday, March 28 during seventh and eighth grade lunch periods.
“This is our third year doing this event. It actually started as a need for students to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance,” Club Advisor Kim McCarthy said of the event.
McCarthy shared the Alliance Club opted to host it the final day prior to Spring Break as a way of sending the students off with something positive and encouraging.
“I think one of the reasons why this event is so important is that suicide is the third leading cause (of death) among 15- to 24-year-olds,” she shared. “It affects a lot of people. Unfortunately, LGBTQ students are even at a higher risk, 40 times higher than their peers.”
To make the event fun as well as informative, each year the Alliance Club partners with varying organizations in the mental health field and invites them to participate.
McCarthy further shared she feels it’s important for people to know that they’re seen and heard. That it’s important for kids to see that bullying is basically people that are unkind and it’s not about them.
“The Alliance Club has just been huge on making sure that we have fun activities for kids and everyone is able to see their group as a group that helps and contributes positively to the greater good of the school,” she stated.
As with most things, McCarthy shared the club did receive a bit of pushback its first year; however, each year that has improved.
“That has been amazing,” she said, “because I think kids are more open to go ahead and being themselves and feeling supportive and loved. A more sense of belonging.”
The group advisor also noted that studies have shown a sense of belonging among teens has been proven to show a drop in the suicide rate.
To assist with this, as well as demonstrate the importance of their lives, a “Reasons to Live,” board was featured at the event. Students were encouraged to place “reasons” on a post it and hang it among the other thoughts and feelings shared by their friends.
“What I love about it, is it’s finding that gratitude in the smallest of things,” McCarthy said of the board which makes a tremendous impact each year. “I think we all universally need to find that reason that is so valuable and important to us to be part of this.”
The advisor further stated the heartwarming feeling of witnessing the smiles on students’ faces as they read thoughts of their classmates, or see their own name written on a post it.
An important part of Mental Health Awareness Day is making sure kids know there are resources available to them. There is no stigma attached to struggling and saying they need help.
In addition to the interactive activities and presenters participating in the event, there was also an art exhibit consisting of art on Mental Health Awareness Day where students could bring in different types of art and Emotional Landscapes from McCarthy’s art class, where students created a landscape based on how they feel.
“I think as parents we have to be really cognizant about how much pressure we put on our kids,” she shared. “I think it’s good to have high expectations, but it’s also really good to be understanding and compassionate. You know you don’t have to be perfect, because perfect doesn’t exist.”
In closing, McCarthy noted anyone considering suicide or in need of support may dial 988 and get support 24 hours a day by a trained professional.
