Good Mental Health Focus of Eden Workshops
If you break a leg, the injury and the need for appropriate
treatment is readily apparent.
For those living with mental illness, the connection is not
always so obvious.
In late February through early March, Eden High School in
St. Catharines hosted a series of workshops designed to create a conversation
around mental illness and reduce the stigma many students feel burdened with
when seeking help.
Supported by a grant from the Dare to Dream foundation, the
“Eden Talks” initiative brought in a variety of expert speakers and presenters
to educate students about mental illness and different aspects of healthy
living.
Sessions covered topics such as stress, anger management,
healthy relationships, yoga and coping strategies. “Our hope is this series of
workshops helped to empower students so they don’t have to suffer in silence,”
said Toby Marr, Eden teacher.
Parents also have an important role to play in supporting
their children. Some of the strategies suggested through the various workshops
included:
- Being available to talk
- Encouraging a break from pressures with physical
activity or a hobby
- Praise your teen when they do well. This builds
confidence and self-esteem.
- Teaching teens how to keep things in perspective
and 'let go' of the little things
- Show teens how to focus on the positive by
listing the benefits and opportunities created by a situation, rather than the
problems
- Getting your teen help if needed
Keynote speakers at the event included Kevin Breel, a writer
and stand-up comic who has experienced mental illness, and Dr. Perez, chief of
the Niagara Health System’s mental health and addictions program.
Stand-up comic Kevin Breel talks to Eden students about his struggles with mental illness.