EVENTS | By Mathieu Hebert From October 10-12, Dartmouth High hosted a variety of speakers to inform students about their own mental wellness and that of others. The now-annual event at the high school involved students of all grades. Topics covered were varied, ranging from gender identity and sexual orientation to anxiety and depression. Some heavier subjects such as schizophrenia and suicide were also addressed. Included in the speaking roster were Nolan Pike, a well-known advocate in the LGBTQ* community for transgender students, and Adrienne Power, presenting on behalf of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia. All presenters engaged with the audience, asking questions and telling personal stories. Caelin Nadin, who shared coping strategies for students, even went so far as leading the audience through breathing and stretching exercises. Students enjoyed the presentations. "I thought they were great," said Dartmouth High student council co-president, Morgan Levangie. "I really think we ought to have more events like this, because [mental health] is something that does affect the majority of kids in high school." "I always get a nice vibe from mental health week," said Leah Caulk, a senior at the school. She says the week brings her a sense of joy, knowing that others are learning more about themselves. "I like when people get informed about things...it's just made me feel happy about it, that we have these [events]." When asked if she thought there was more the school could do for mental health awareness, Levangie said she thought it was an important conversation, one that needed to be had more routinely. "I really don't think that we can just have one week dedicated to mental health, and then all of a sudden everyone's mental health is great," she says. "It doesn't work like that." She proposed that more events be held around exam times to remind students of the resources available to them to help ease their stress. Snack and drinks were also available free of charge throughout the week. --- What did you get from the Mental Health Matters presentations this fall? Do we need more events throughout the school year? Any suggestions for topics or speakers for our next MHM week? Write us at The Dart. Comments are closed.
|