“You can’t end the stigma unless you start a conversation first”

By: Grace Gagner

This year, for the first time in Chariho High School history, a Mental Health Awareness Club was started. Chariho senior Emma Elderkin created the after-school club with the hopes to destigmatize mental health and create a safe space for students to share their feelings. However, starting the club was no easy feat. There was pushback from the school committee, as some members did not believe that it was an issue. The idea got tabled and Emma had to wait until she could present her proposal again; this time she brought statistical data that the committee couldn’t deny. She focused on how important it is for people to understand how to approach mental health issues in a respectable way. The Mental Health Awareness club has a different theme for every month, in December the club focused on homelessness and mental health issues within the community. The group is planning a January donation drive to collect items to assist the homeless community. There have also been positivity posters put up around the school to promote healthy habits and positive mindsets. Emma encourages any student or staff member to join regardless of how they are doing mentally, as staying healthy is always important. The Mental Health Awareness Club takes place every Tuesday right after school in room G3. We hope to see you there!