May is the month to spread the awareness about mental health, and GHS is doing many things to contribute to this awareness because the students and staff all know how important this subject is.
Mental health issues can be on many certain levels, and everyone’s mental health level is different. There are many ways to truly understand if you need help with your mental health.
“If students are navigating difficult times related to their mental health, they should ask themselves who am I around, how much sleep am I getting, what have I been eating, etc,” school psychiatrist Emily Erickson said. “Our very basic needs need to be met to engage in any sort of coping skills.”
The question always is “how do I get better?” but all you have to do is focus on yourself and find new things to try out and see what you like.
“There’s a lot of research that suggests doing art activities,” teacher Zachery Geiger said. “Even if you think you’re bad at art, it stimulates dopamine release and the brain’s reward system. Plus it’s just a fun activity to do with peers on a sunny day.”
The Sources of Strength group is doing many different things to spread the awareness this month such as painting rocks and playing dodgeball so students are able to be a part of this awareness.
“Sources of Strength is really trying to get as many campaigns as possible in during mental health awareness month,” Erickson said. “I love being part of these campaigns. As a school psychologist, it’s my job to promote mental health awareness every month.”
Students express what their favorite thing is about being a part of this group.
“I feel honored to be a part of the team,” sophomore Sophia Salazar said. “Being able to spread awareness for mental health month is really important to me because I know how many people are struggling, and I want everyone to know they are not alone.”
