SMS students helping others to cope with mental health issues

Student representatives of St. Michael School are making efforts to help those in their school’s community to better cope with mental health issues, anxiety, and stress as they balance various aspects of their lives.

Friday, they engaged in a wellness session at the Frank Collymore Hall ahead of Caribbean Examinations Council and CAPE exams.

The event allowed senior students to interact with expert art therapists, music therapists, and a variety of mental health professionals, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of mental wellness and the tools that can help them cope.

Balance Elements’ coordinator and SMS head boy Kalon Alleyne says that following an incident at the Martindale’s Road school, they initiated programmes in conjunction with the guidance counsellor and the Peer Supporters Programme.

Senior students from other schools also benefited from the initiative.

One of those students is Hadassah Mitchell of Springer Memorial Secondary School.

She says that while she was aware of some of the coping mechanisms discussed, she was able to get a better understanding of how to use the strategies in her life heading into her exams.

Hadassah adds that they also have a weekly Bible session where students get the opportunity to express themselves without judgment.