Mental Health Week

1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness at some point in their life. As our Jack Chapter has been emphasizing throughout the year, 5 in 5 Canadians have mental health. Caring for our own mental health is something everyone can benefit from. When we talk openly about mental health, we can reduce the stigma that prevents many people with mental health issues from seeking help.

Guest speakers from Jack Talks reiterated this at the Mental Health Week kickoff assembly. They presented some facts about mental health, how we can take care of ourselves and our loved ones, and how we can reach out for help if we need it.

Greenwood alum and former Head Girl Kate Farrell ('14) gave an impactful presentation. With humour and honesty, she spoke about her struggles with OCD, anxiety, and anorexia nervosa, emphasizing that anyone can struggle with mental illness, even the people you least expect.

The Jack Chapter ran events throughout the week to teach students healthy methods of self care and to fight the stigma around mental illness. A lunchtime walk along the Beltline gave students a chance to unwind and get some fresh air. Therapy dogs brightened students’ moods between classes. Another highlight was Workout Wednesday: a professional trainer led the school in a boot camp workout to emphasize healthy habits. On Thursday, students were encouraged to “take a bite out of stigma” and by decorating cookies with stigmatized words.

Through Greenwood’s second annual Mental Health Week, the Jack Chapter got people thinking and talking about mental health.