January is Mental Wellness Month and Archbishop Carroll’s guidance department wants to use this time to break the stigma around teens’ mental health.
Miss Kelly Love, Carroll’s Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator, is sending out information throughout the month and hopes to help struggling students.
“It is so important to celebrate Mental Wellness Month because it helps to spread awareness and break the stigma associated with mental illness,” said Miss Love. “By celebrating Mental Wellness Month, it gives students the information they need to make positive changes in their lives and to make them feel more comfortable seeking help when they need it.”
Students are noticing the guidance department’s effort.
“I have seen and read the emails that Miss Love has been sending,” said senior Kirstin Blake McGarvey. “I know that a lot of people could benefit from this and I’m glad to know that Carroll is taking charge.”
Miss Love highlighted the services the guidance department has for mental health that are available to all students.
“We are always available and maintain an open door policy should a student ever need us in a time of crisis, ” said Miss Love. “We also have a sensory room, which is a peaceful environment located in the guidance department where students can retreat from the sensory overload of the typical school environment.”
The resources that the guidance department offers are available at any time. The sensory room has a no phone policy and students can schedule an appointment or sign in for a certain amount of time during the school day. Guidance counselors are also always available for any reason, even if a student is not assigned to them.
On top of this, every year Carroll hosts Mental Health Wellness days for all students. This year, they will take place on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16. The first day will be for juniors and seniors and the second day will be for freshmen and sophomores.
The days will include presentations from the Minding Your Mind organization as well as bonding activities for students and a visit from pets. More information will be provided before the event.
Senior Sarah Barrera-Cruz is a fan of the school’s mental health days.
“I’ve always appreciated what they do at Carroll to promote good mental health, but especially the mental health days,” said Barrera-Cruz. “It’s a good way to spread awareness about mental health and take a break from the stress of schoolwork and classes. I hope we can do everything to make sure every student is thriving.”
