North Vigo club working to end stigma of stress, mental health issues
Tribune-StarSep 16, 2022
Sep. 16—Sixteen
They chatted, encouraged cross country runners and enjoyed the sunny and warm late-summer weather.
The group was taking a mental health walk, something they hope to do at least monthly as part of the school's Bring Change to
Club members hope to show other students it's okay to have mental health issues and to struggle with stress. The group wants other students to know, "We're here for you. If you need us, we're here," Osburn said.
"It's important to let people know they are not alone," Johnson said.
Actress and activist
BC2M is dedicated to encouraging dialogue about mental health and to raising awareness, understanding and empathy, according to its website.
The goal "is to break the stigma of mental health and promote a positive mindset about mental health," said
In addition to regular meetings, the students are being asked to participate in at least three after-school events and one community event each semester. "We want them to be positive role models for mental health," Higgins said.
Kershaw, also an English teacher, believes it's an important group to have in a high school "because more and more, kids are stressed out between still dealing with the pandemic, workload of high school and navigating everyday life. I think the club will be a great benefit for kids to watch out for one another and learn how to keep track of their own mental health."
The group started off small last year, but this year, Higgins anticipates at least 50 members and she hopes to see a diverse group of students involved.
North's club also has some grant money and other resources that will enable it to do more activities this year.
According to Kershaw, the club "is an encouraging group as well. They do a great job peppering the school with uplifting signs, stickers, etc. The club seeks to empower teens with good examples of mental health: admitting when they need help and encouraging those who seem down to seek help or to use mental wellness strategies."
Last school year, the club participated in a BC2M
The North club also will have speakers, which last year included Mark and
It hopes to have more QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training session offered by Team of Mercy; some members were trained last year.
The North group also hopes to collaborate with other local high schools that have or are starting BC2M clubs.
The group receives
Each member also receives a free subscription to Headspace, a meditation app.
Among the reasons students may be having mental health issues is the pressure they put on themselves to excel and be perfect, Osburn said.
Johnson believes social media has a huge impact on mental health. "There's more options to bully people," she said.
Other walkers Thursday included senior
McCullough said he wanted to be part of BC2M because "mental health is a big thing for me. I like making people's day better and checking on them," he said. "I'm not the best at checking in on people so I'd like to get better at that."
For more information on Bring Change to Mind, go to: https://bringchange2mind.org/amplify-change/.
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