Mental Health Week took place Oct. 30 – Nov. 3 and helped students and staff learn more about mental health and the resources offered by the school.
The goal of Mental Health Week was to bring awareness to mental health issues. “We wanted to destigmatize mental health issues and to make sure that not just students but staff members, parents, and families know all the different resources we have and how to reach out to receive those resources,” counselor Ann Redman said.
Throughout the week different mindfulness activities were held in the Commons during lunch. “We were asked by the central officer to help volunteer with activities and promote the week. Each day we helped run the fun activities that students could get involved in and we also encouraged people to dress up for the mental health spirit days,” SGA secretary and junior Ashi Stanislaus said.
These activities consisted of games where prizes could be won.”On Monday we did a spin-the-wheel game, we gave out stress balls, pop-its, and mental health bracelets. This was an opportunity for students to know who I am and for them to get to know what the Bridge to Wellness program is,” school social worker Alexis Branham said.
The Bridge to Wellness is a program designed to help students find more resources about mental health outside of school. “Bridge to Wellness is our program partnered with The Department of Health and Human Services, so through them in MCPS we were able to get different companies within the school to provide Mental Health Services,” Branham said. “The way we offer those services is that we are aiming to support students who either don’t have insurance or who have insurance that is very difficult to navigate and may not cover what a child may need.”
Mental Health Week strives to help students learn about the different figures in this school. “Wootton specifically we have a company called Sheppard Pratt in our school and the Bridge to Wellness program through Sheppard Pratt consists of the mental health therapist Katie Omerso, then our new youth specialist Stephanie Cruz and then we will have a care manager eventually who also helps students get the services they need outside of school,” Branham said.
The regular counseling department is available for students year-round when they need to talk. “So there are all kinds of things school counselors do like scheduling classes but we want to make sure kids are making choices that kind of embrace their inner joy and passions,” Redman said. “Something like when getting ready to schedule classes, balancing them so you can take those classes you enjoy and [that are going to] help you with your future and still have time for extracurriculars like theater production or a sports team because we want you to be a well-rounded person.”
Branham offers opportunities to students throughout the year as well. “I meet with students regarding their social-emotional health and so some students just want to check in with me so they might just come in 15 minutes every week or so or every day and talk about what’s been going on while other students I meet with for a longer period like a whole class period,” Branham said.
Mental Health Week was important to get students involved and aware of what this school offers. “Students should feel like this is a safe place for them and if they are struggling or need help it’s super important that they are aware of what kind of help they can get at school,” Stanislaus said.
