With the business of the school year and high demands on students, mental health often gets overlooked. October 3rd is the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week. The purpose of this week is to raise awareness for those with mental illness and anyone struggling with their mental health. Mental health is a topic that should be recognized all year round, but this is a time to dedicate and highlight the importance of mental health for people of all demographics, especially students. Millbrook is focusing on informing students on Mental Illness Awareness week and working to give them the mental health resources they need. 

  As a method of spreading awareness, Millbrook’s Psychology Club is giving a school wide announcement to inform the student body about what Mental Illness Awareness week is, and to emphasize the importance of recognizing and prioritizing mental health. Even if students are not struggling with their mental health, mental illness can indirectly affect them through their family, friends, and peers, so dedicating time to focus on educating students on the topic could potentially have a substantial impact on themselves and others. Psychology Club Co-President Lindsey Ioos says ,“We are doing our best to raise awareness for mental health issues and help people learn how to take care of their mental health. What we do is important because a good state of mind allows you to reach your full potential, instead of holding yourself back.”     

   As another resource, the club will be placing posters around school to familiarize students with what Mental Illness Awareness Week is. They are also posting on their Instagram account each day with posts containing a multitude of information including tips on how to manage your mental health and positive messages for students.

Stress levels are at an all time high. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, around one third of adolescents aged 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder, and one quarter of students will report signs and feelings of depression. With the current mental health crisis, educating and raising awareness is vital for the mental health of students. Junior Elle Wise says, “It is so important to take care of your mental health and actively take action to help it. I am so glad that the Psychology Club is taking steps to bring awareness to it.” Prioritizing the mental health of students can allow them to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. If you or someone you know is struggling,  please reach out to a trusted adult, your school counselor, or the ASK Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-800-939-5911.